The National Day of Guinea-Bissau is celebrated annually on the 24th September. This day celebrates the country’s independence from Portugal in 1973. (National Day of Portugal). This was after a long struggle for freedom led by the African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde (PAIGC). See the National Day of Cape Verde for more information on them.
National Day of Guinea-Bissau
Firstly there was Amilcar Cabral who was the founder of the PAIGC. He was however assassinated in 1973. This was just months before Guinea-Bissau gained independence. Secondly there was also Luis Cabral his half-brother who became the first president of Guinea-Bissau after independence. He would serve as president of the country from 1973 to 1980. Thirdly there was also Domingos Ramos was a key figure in the liberation struggle.
He was responsible for several successful military campaigns against Portuguese forces, and later served as a senior government official after independence. Finally there was Aristides Pereira who was also a key figure and who later served as president of Cape Verde, which was part of a federation with Guinea-Bissau until 1980.
Public Holidays in Guinea-Bissau
Some of the major public holidays celebrated in Guinea-Bissau include:
- New Year’s Day – January 1st
- Heroes’ Day – January 20th
- Carnival – dates vary based on the Christian liturgical calendar
- Women’s Day – March 8th
- Independence Day – September 24th
- All Saints’ Day – November 1st
- Christmas Day – December 25th
In addition to these national holidays, there are also several Muslim holidays that are observed in Guinea-Bissau, including Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, which are determined by the Islamic lunar calendar. See also the Tasmania public holidays and the public holidays Hobart.
