Colonization Martyrs’ Day Date: August 3
Guinea-Bissau observes Colonization Martyrs’ Day as a public holiday.
Colonization Martyr’s Day is observed as an anniversary of the killings of Pidjiguiti — a day of remembrance of the brave martyrs of the nation.
Guinea-Bissau Colonization Martyrs’ Day History
Guinea-Bissau is a country of the western African continent on Atlantic Ocean. Populated by the Malinke, Fulani and other people from West Africa, Portuguese were the first ones to visit the country during the 15th century. Later on, it became one of the Portuguese colonies (1879).
The history of Guinea-Bissau was dominated by Portugal from the 1450s to 1970s. Since independence, the country has been primarily controlled by a single-party system. Portuguese conquest and the consolidation of country’s interior did not start till the last half of 19th century. This was the time, when Portuguese lost a portion of the island to the French from West Africa. The struggle for independence was started in 1956 by PAIGC (African Party for Independence of Guinea & Cape Verde).
In 1961, it started the armed rebellion against Portuguese. After repeated pressure from the PAIGC, the Portuguese finally met their downfall in 1974. Following Carnation Revolution in April 1974 at Portugal, the country granted independence for the Guinea-Bissau on the September 10th of 1974. Half-brother of Amílcar Cabral, Luís Cabral, was the Guinea-Bissau’s first president.
Colonization Martyr’s Day is observed as an anniversary of the killings of Pidjiguiti. It is celebrated on August 3. It is marked as a day of remembrance of the brave martyrs of the nation. It originates from the Pidjiguiti massacre of 1959. The PAIGC launched their first major movement by instigating the dock-workers strike for better salaries. They did it at Pijiguiti Docks in the Guinea’s Port of Bissau on August 3, 1959.
The P.I.D.E. (political police) suppressed this strike, open wild fire on striking workers and killed more than 50 people. The political authorities put the entire blame on the PAIGC for framing discontentment among the poor, absent-minded workers. However, the loss had already occurred; more than 50 families lost their working heads. It urged a national trauma, which would never be fully cured. That traumatic day of August 3, 1959 is observed nationwide as the Colonization Martyr’s Day.
Guinea-Bissau Colonization Martyrs’ Day Traditions and Activities
The Colonization Martyr’s Day is marked as a public holiday in Guinea-Bissau. There are no real celebrations on this day in the country. It is a day of national grief for the citizens of the nation. People on this day, mourn the Pidjiguiti massacre. They light candles and torch processions are a common feature of this day.
In remembrance of the departed souls, they also observe 5 minutes of nationwide silence. On this date, the President of the state delivers a speech, which is telecasted live on a nationwide scale. Here, he passionately remembers the sacrifices of the martyrs of the country and also talks about the economic and military upgrade of Guinea-Bissau. Gradually over the years the people have come to terms to the loss….which still pains.
Other interesting posts:
- Guinea Independence Day
- Celebration of the Declaration Day of the Second Republic of Guinea
- Equatorial Guinea Liberty Day
- Equatorial Guinea Armed Force Day
- Martyrs’ Day Commemorated in the Maldives
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