Pidjiguiti Day 2025

Description

Pidjiguiti Day remembers a sad but important event in Guinea Bissau history. It marks the killing of striking dock workers at the Pidjiguiti docks in Bissau on 3 August 1959.

The day is observed every year on 3 August. People use the date to think about the past and the struggle against Portuguese colonial rule. It is a national remembrance of courage and loss.

The Pidjiguiti killings helped change public opinion and strengthen the independence movement. The event pushed many people to support armed resistance and political organization that eventually led to independence in the 1970s.

Pidjiguiti Day stands for sacrifice, unity, and the cost of freedom. It reminds citizens why independence mattered and honors those whose deaths became a turning point in their nation’s story.

Traditions

People gather at the Pidjiguiti docks for ceremonies. They lay wreaths, light candles, and hold moments of silence. Local leaders and families stand together to remember and honor those involved.

Schools and youth groups perform songs, poems, and short plays. Marches and parades with bands and drums move through neighborhoods. People wear neat clothes and sometimes traditional outfits for public events.

Communities share food after ceremonies. Common dishes include fish stews, rice, cassava, and fried snacks. Families bring homemade cakes and palm wine to pass around and enjoy together.

Neighborhoods host storytelling circles. Elders recount events while children listen. Flowers and flags decorate houses and streets, and music plays late into the day.

Travel Tips

Expect government offices, banks, and some shops to be closed. Public transport and ferries can run on reduced schedules and streets near events may be blocked. Carry ID, cash, a charged phone, and allow extra travel time for delays.

Stay with organized tours or local guides and keep clear of any large unsanctioned gatherings. Ask before photographing people and respect cordoned areas. Support small vendors and local businesses, keep valuables secure, and check embassy or local news for safety updates before heading out.