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📅 holiday

Pidjiguiti Day

Monday, August 3, 2026

— days to go

Every 3 August, the people of Guinea-Bissau observe the solemn public holiday known as Pidjiguiti Day. In 2026, Pidjiguiti Day falls on Monday 3 August. The holiday will be on Tuesday 3 August in 2027. Pidjiguiti Day commemorates the massacre of some 50 people by Portuguese colonial authorities at the Pidjiguiti Dockyard of the city of Bissau on 3 August, 1959. The dock workers went on strike, being encouraged to do so by a group supporting independence for Guinea-Bissau and neighbouring French Guinea and Cape Verde. This was the first major action take by independence leaders, and that’s why Pidjiguiti Day is also called “Colonisation Martyr’s Day”. On Pidjiguiti Day, the people of Guinea-Bissau traditionally light candles or take part in torchlight processions. They will also observe an official national five-minute period of silence. The president of Guinea-Bissau always gives a solemn speech on this day as well, which is put on TV and watched by the whole nation.

History

Pidjiguiti Day commemorates the massacre of some 50 people by Portuguese colonial authorities at the Pidjiguiti Dockyard of the city of Bissau on 3 August, 1959. The dock workers went on strike, being encouraged to do so by a group supporting independence for Guinea-Bissau and neighbouring French Guinea and Cape Verde. This was the first major action take by independence leaders, and that’s why Pidjiguiti Day is also called “Colonisation Martyr’s Day”. On Pidjiguiti Day, the people of Guinea-Bis

How It's Celebrated

Every 3 August, the people of Guinea-Bissau observe the solemn public holiday known as Pidjiguiti Day. The holiday will be on Tuesday 3 August in 2027. Pidjiguiti Day commemorates the massacre of some 50 people by Portuguese colonial authorities at the Pidjiguiti Dockyard of the city of Bissau on 3

Other Years

2026 Mon
3 Aug
2027 Tue
3 Aug
2028 Thu
3 Aug
2025 Sun
3 Aug
2024 Sat
3 Aug

Countries

GW

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