Like other Muslim countries, Guinea-Bissau also celebrates Eid al-Fitr which is often called the “Festival of Breaking the Fast” and is also one of the most important and famous festivals in Guinea-Bissau. During this festival, people practice dawn-to-sunset fasting during the holy month of Ramadan ("Sawm"). Because the day of Eid is determined by the sighting of the moon, there may be slight differences in the exact date observed around the world. The actual dates of Eid Al-Fitr may not be announced until near the beginning of Ramadan.

In Guinea-Bissau, people celebrate Eid al-Fitr with much religious fervor and general merriment. For the Muslims of Guinea-Bissau, the celebration is a high holy day and a much-anticipated religious festivity. The first day of the month of Shawwal is a public holiday, but the first three days of that month are a time of festivity. People visit mosques and after that come back home to hold a feast. They also give gifts to children and exchange Eid greeting cards.

When: To be announced

Where: All across the country

The Bubaque Festival, held in the Bijagós Archipelago, is a vibrant celebration of the local music culture. It draws musicians and celebrities from all around Guinea to play a variety of Guinean music. Festival de Bubaque is the second one on our list of the most famous festivals in Guinea-Bissau. Dates must be confirmed because this event appears to not have a fixed time. However, this 3-day music festival always takes place annually on Easter weekend.

To take part in the festival, tourists can take 5 hours by ferry from the West African nation's capital, Bissau, to reach the island of Bubaque. At the Bubaque Festival, there is a wide range of music, such as modern Guinea-Bissau music, gumbe rhythm music, and reggae. Acts ranged from traditional music to hip-hop. This festival attracts thousands of people despite a population of less than 10,000. In addition, people can also have a fun time by hanging out on the beach by the concert venue. Bubaque is one of the almost 90 islands that make up the Bijagos archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean, off the coast of Guinea-Bissau.

When: To be announced

Where: Bijagós Archipelago

Guinea-Bissau Carnival is one of the most famous festivals in Guinea Bissau, including interesting programs that highlight exceptional Guinean talents, ethnic traditions, and cultural performances. It is a large festival that takes place every year around Easter for around four days before Lent. Guineans enjoy traditional dances with instruments, and individuals dress up in colorful costumes made of leaves, cow horns, and shells.

However, the country lacks electricity, and petrol is too expensive for most people. As a result, unlike the major carnivals of Rio or Venice, there are no motorized cavalcades with extravagant expensive costumes or loud music. Instead, people at Guinea-Bissau Festival represent various tribes charter wooden boats and battered trucks around the country. Despite the fact that the country has experienced a lot of instability since then, the national celebration crosses ethnic and social lines, with each group bringing their own sounds, sights, and customs. Competitions are also held during the Carnival, with prizes awarded for the best group performance and mask, as well as a Carnival queen.

When: Between February and March

Where: Bijagós