Guinea-Bissau celebrates Pidjiguiti Day on August 3 each year as a national holiday. This day marks the anniversary of the Pidjiguiti massacre, which occurred on this date in 1959.On August 3, 1959, sailors and dockworkers at the Pinjiguiti port in Bissau, who were working for the influential Casa Gouveia at the time, revolted and sought improved working conditions and pay raises. In response, the Portuguese colonial authorities forcefully repressed them, resulting in roughly 50 deaths and hundreds of injuries.

History of Pidjiguiti Day

Since the 1800s, Guinea-Bissau was under Portuguese rule. In the 1950s, a push for national independence swept Africa, and Guinea-Bissau was no different. Amilcar Cabral founded the African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde (P.A.I.G.C.) in 1956. The P.A.I.G.C.’s first major act, in support of nonviolent independence, was to call for a strike for higher pay at the Port of Bissau’s Pidjiguiti Docks. On August 3, 1959, a significant number of dockworkers joined the strike and took control of the port, effectively shutting it down.When security forces stormed the gate, the International and State Defense Police (PIDE) launched an offensive to reclaim the port from the strikers. They opened fire on the group, killing 50 protesters and injuring many others. Others were arrested and suffered torture at the hands of the PIDE.The P.A.I.G.C. and other supporters of independence saw these acts as a turning point in the organization of opposition to colonial power. They soon decided to abandon the nonviolent approach in favor of more proactive measures. In 1963, an armed conflict ensued, culminating in the independence of Guinea-Bissau in 1973 and Cape Verde in 1975. In remembrance of the massacre victims, a sculpture (a clenched fist) called Mão de Timba, which roughly translates to “the hand of a crook” or a “person who accrues debt and doesn’t plan to pay it back,” was erected in the port of Pinjiguiti.

Pidjiguiti Day timeline

1956
The P.A.I.G.C. is Formed

The African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde (P.A.I.G.C.) is founded by Amilcar Cabral.

1959
The Pidjiguiti Massacre

PIDE forces open fire on August 3, killing and injuring nonviolent protesters.

1963
War Breaks Out

The independence military campaign begins.

1973
Guinea-Bissau Gains Independence

Guinea-Bissau finally breaks free from Portuguese rule.

Pidjiguiti Day FAQs

What is Guinea-Bissau known for?

Guinea-Bissau is the world’s sixth-largest producer of cashew nuts. This is its main source of foreign exchange income. Guinea-Bissau also exports frozen seafood, peanuts, palm kernels, fish, and timber.

What are the ethnic groups in Guinea-Bissau?

The ethnic groups that make up Bissau-Guineans are as follows: Fula and Mandinka-speaking people, who make up the majority of the population and live in the north and northeast; and the Balanta and Papel people, who live along the southern coast.

What does the flag of Guinea-Bissau represent?

The colors red, yellow, and green represent the bloodshed during the struggle for independence, the sun, and hope, respectively. The flag includes traditional pan-African colors: green, gold, and red, as well as the African Black Star. The Ghanaian flag has a strong influence on the design of the Guinea-Bissau flag.

How to Observe Pidjiguiti Day

  1. Join the march

    Celebrating Pidjiguiti Day in Guinea-Bissau is by lighting candles or participating in torchlight processions. Join the march if you happen to be in the area or hold a vigil of your own.

  2. Observe five minutes of silence

    Observing a five-minute national period of silence is also mandatory on this day. Honor the victims of the massacre by joining in.

  3. Listen to the speech

    Delivering a solemn speech by the President of Guinea-Bissau is also a mainstay on this day. The speech is broadcast on television and watched by the entire country.

5 Important Facts About Pidjiguiti Day

  1. Popular

    Guinea-Bissau, Equatorial Guinea, Guinea, and Papua New Guinea all share the designation ‘Guinea.’

  2. Gabu

    Guinea-Bissau was once a sub-kingdom known as Gabu, which was ruled by the Mali Empire.

  3. Poor odds

    Guinea-Bissau has one of the lowest life expectancies in the world: with a life expectancy of only 58 years as of 2021, it was the ninth-lowest.

  4. Air pollution

    According to the Facts Institute, it was the sixth-worst in terms of air pollution in the world in 2021.

  5. Not shortlisted

    Guinea-Bissau is one of only 27 countries with no UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Why Pidjiguiti Day is Important

  1. It’s a reminder of the Pidjiguiti massacre

    On this day in 1959, the Pidjiguiti massacre occurred. The celebration sparks debates and policies to ensure that it does not happen again.

  2. Remembering the victims

    The victims of the massacre are remembered and their sacrifice is honored. Torchlight processions celebrate the lives of those lost on this day in 1959.

  3. Celebrating freedom

    The day celebrates freedom from the oppression of colonial rule. It celebrates the first step that would eventually lead to independence for Guinea-Bissau and Cape Verde.

Pidjiguiti Day dates

Year Date Day
2023 August 3 Thursday
2024 August 3 Saturday
2025 August 3 Sunday
2026 August 3 Monday
2027 August 3 Tuesday