Tunisians have marked the first anniversary of the revolution that started the "Arab Spring" with celebrations in the capital Tunis.
Thousands of people flooded into Bourguiba Avenue in the centre of the capital, the same spot where demonstrators massed exactly one year ago, forcing former leader Zine El Abidine Ben Ali to accept his rule was over and flee the country.
Since that moment, Tunisia has become a model for democratic change in the Middle East and its revolt has re-shaped the political landscape of the region.
It inspired revolutions in Egypt and Libya, as well as uprisings in Syria and Yemen whose outcome is still in the balance.
In a nod to the "people power" origins of Tunisia's revolution, the country's new authorities did not try to stage-manage the public celebrations.
Instead they invited people to descend on the centre of the capital to mark the day in their own way.
Some people marched down Bourguiba Avenue chanting "Tunisia is Free!" and "Bye bye dictatorship. Welcome freedom!"
Others carried Tunisian flags, and cages with their doors swinging open, an allegory for the country's journey to freedom.
"This is an occasion when all Tunisians should celebrate with pride," said Samir Ben Omrane, who was in the centre of Tunis with his wife and two daughters. His wife was carrying a birthday cake with a single candle on the top.
"I am happy that my children can live in freedom in this country, which has provided an example to the world," he said.
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said that a year ago the world was inspired by Tunisia's demands for democracy, freedom and dignity.
"Their courage echoed throughout the region, where other peoples, encouraged by the actions of their Tunisian brothers and sisters, found the courage to also make their rightful aspirations heard," he said in a statement.
