Pidjiguiti Day

When did the Pidjiguiti Day start?

About Pidjiguiti Day Holiday

Pidjiguiti Day is a two-day holiday celebrated in the city of Bissau, capital of the African nation of Guinea-Bissau. The holiday marks the anniversary of a major labor uprising that occurred in Bissau on August 3rd and 4th 1959. On these dates, thousands of local workers rallied and went on strike demanding improved working conditions and wages at a peanut oil processing plant in Bissau. As a result of the protests, the strike was successful in achieving its goals, and from then on August 3rd and 4th have been recognized as a national holiday for the whole country of Guinea-Bissau.

During the two days, locals celebrate with music, dancing, and feasting. There is also a large parade that takes place, with representatives of the country’s labor unions marching, as well as groups carrying banners commemorating the original 1959 strike. Pidjiguiti Day is also a time to remember and celebrate the lives of those brave workers who fought for better working conditions and pay during the strike. Additionally, Guinea-Bissau’s government has used the holiday as an opportunity to recognize the country’s workers and emphasize the importance of the labor movement in today’s society.

Pidjiguiti Day: An Extraordinary Celebration of Resistance and Captivity

Pidjiguiti Day is a public holiday celebrated in Guinea-Bissau and Mozambique to commemorate a landmark moment of resistance against colonial rule.

The holiday marks the date that colonial forces met with resistance when embarking on a plan to physically force the citizens of Guinea-Bissau and Mozambique into labor programs. This forced labor was part of the oppressive “Worker/Raid” system and was, by all accounts, an attack on the basic human right to choose one’s profession.

The Pidjiguiti Day holiday celebrates the bravery of a group of dockworkers who, on August 3rd, 1959, stopped the ships from the Portuguese military from proceeding, despite the workers being arrested and even killed in the process.

The Origins of Pidjiguiti Day

This powerful act of resistance took place on the docks situated in the city of Pidjiguiti in the northern region of Guinea-Bissau. The workers formed part of the colonial managed labor program in the area. The Portuguese colonial government had drafted a plan to force African workers to move away from their homeland and into Portuguese-owned ships bound for Angola.

The forced conscription of African sailors and dockworkers was part of a brutal strategy by the Portuguese regime to increase their workforce in Angola and other parts of the Portuguese Empire.

In reaction to the cruelty and oppression of this system, the community of workers came together and refused to participate in the conscription, even going so far as to obstruct the docks to prevent the ships from operating.

This act of collective resistance was not the first of its kind in the region, but it was certainly the most organized and widely celebrated. This event became a major milestone in the resistance against the Portuguese colonial regime, which eventually forced the authorities to abolish the hated “Worker/Raid” system of recruitment and travel.

Celebrating Pidjiguiti Day in Guinea-Bissau and Mozambique

Guinea-Bissau celebrates Pidjiguiti Day every year on August 3rd with joyous festivities throughout the country and online. In honor of the bravery of the dockworkers, military parades, civic ceremonies, and artwork are popular activities to showcase traditional proud culture and to honor those who stood up against the oppressive Portuguese government.

On Pidjiguiti Day, streets are filled with colorful music, dance, and fireworks, while various educational activities are also organized to celebrate the day. The day is also marked by exhibits of traditional dresses and costumes from the region.

Various speeches and discussions are also undertaken to remind citizens of the importance of preserving their cultural heritage. One speech is usually delivered by current political leaders and dignitaries, who express their gratitude to those who fought for freedom more than sixty years ago.

The festivities in Mozambique are also conducted in a similar fashion, with public events dedicated to honoring Pidjiguiti Day. In the city of Bissau, statues are erected that bear the names of the brave dockworkers, while various workshops and seminars are held to discuss the importance of civil society and its role in the achievement of freedom.

The day is also a national holiday in Mozambique, which is officially known as “Revolution Day”. As with other national holidays in Mozambique, large processions take place in the town squares and various local festivities are organized by schools and churches, commemorating this successful uprising against a colonial government.

Conclusion

Pidjiguiti Day is an important public holiday in both Guinea-Bissau and Mozambique. The day commemorates the courageous dockworkers of Pidjiguiti and recognizes the importance of standing up for freedom and justice in the face of tyranny.

The day is a reminder of our common struggle against oppression and injustice, and serves as a celebration of the human spirit and the power of collective action. Despite the viciousness of the Portuguese government, the people of Guinea-Bissau and Mozambique were still brave enough to stand up for their rights and make a difference in the history of their nation.

Pidjiguiti Day serves as a symbol of strength and courage that continues to be celebrated by generations of citizens who continue to struggle for freedom and justice in an ever-changing world.

How to Say "Pidjiguiti Day" In Different Languages?