In pictures: Nicaragua celebrations

Celebrations have been held in Nicaragua to mark the 30th anniversary of the leftist Sandinista revolution that ended Anastasio Somoza's decades-long dictatorship.

Thousands of people waved the red and black flags of the ruling Sandinista party and praised the government's social reform programmes.

Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega behind a banner at events in Managua, Nicaragua

President Daniel Ortega, who led the revolution 30 years ago, marked the day by saying he wanted to change the constitution to allow him to stand for another term in office.

Banner of Che Guevara in Managua, Nicaragua

He told thousands of his supporters gathered in the capital, Managua, that he intended to hold a referendum to change the law.

Banner of South American leaders in Managua, Nicaragua

Many of Mr Ortega's fellow leftists leaders in the region have already taken similar measures or have said they intend to do so, including the ousted Honduran leader, Manuel Zelaya.

Fake coffin at a gathering in Managua, Nicaragua

Much of the celebrations showed opposition to the recent political upheaval in neighbouring Honduras, with a fake coffin inscribed with "Death to the coup activists" being carried through the crowd.

Former Honduras Foreign Minister Patricia Rodas speaks in Managua, Nicaragua

The Nicaraguan government has firmly supported Mr Zelaya's bid to regain his leadership and allowed his Foreign Minister, Patricia Rodas, to address the crowds.

A man is thrown in the air by crowds in Managua, Nicaragua

Many Nicaraguans still see the Sandinistas as a model of leftist revolutionary values, while others says the current government shows little of the movement's idealism.