Pidjiguiti Day for the year 2024 is celebrated/observed on Thursday, August 3rd. There are until the next observance.

Every year on August 3, Guinea-Bissau observes Pidjiguiti Day as a national holiday. This day commemorates the Pidjiguiti massacre, which happened on this date in 1959.

📆 When is Pidjiguiti Day?

This year, Pidjiguiti Day is on August 3rd. It is the 1st Thursday in August; in 2024, it is on Saturday.

Countdown to Pidjiguiti Day

Did you know: Guinea-Bissau, Equatorial Guinea, Guinea, and Papua New Guinea are all known as “Guinea.”

You can also view all fun things you didn’t know about and facts about August 3, 2023.

📜 History of Pidjiguiti Day

The International and State Defense Police (PIDE) initiated an attack to recapture the port from the strikers after security troops rushed the entrance. They opened fire on the protestors, killing 50 and wounding many more. Others were detained and tortured at the hands of the PIDE.

The P.A.I.G.C. and other independence advocates considered these activities a watershed moment in the mobilization of opposition to colonial rule. They quickly chose to forgo nonviolence in favor of more assertive actions. An armed conflict broke out in 1963, resulting in the independence of Guinea-Bissau in 1973 and Cape Verde in 1975. Near the memory of the massacre victims, a sculpture (a clinched fist) named Mo de Timba was created in the port of Pinjiguiti, which loosely translates to “the hand of a crook” or “a person who accrues debt and doesn’t plan to pay it back.”

☑️ Pidjiguiti Day facts

Gabu
Guinea-Bissau was formerly known as Gabu and was governed by the Mali Empire.

Poor odds
Guinea-Bissau has one of the world’s lowest life expectancies, with a life expectancy of only 58 years as of 2021, ranking ninth.

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

Things to do on Pidjiguiti Day

Join the march
In Guinea-Bissau, Pidjiguiti Day is observed by burning candles or participating in torchlight processions. If you’re in the neighborhood, you may join the march or conduct your own vigil.

Observe five minutes of silence
On this day, a five-minute national period of silence is also required. Join in to remember the victims of the atrocity.

Listen to the speech
The President of Guinea-Bissau delivers a serious address on this day as well. The address is televised and watched by the entire country.

📅 Pidjiguiti Day Observances

YEAR DATE DAY
2023 August 3 Thursday
2024 August 3 Saturday
2025 August 3 Sunday
2026 August 3 Monday
2027 August 3 Tuesday

Explore all August holidays, including Federal and other Appreciation holidays.

We will continue to update this page with new information and must-know facts about Pidjiguiti Day. So be sure to check back soon.