Festivals

Festivals are an interesting aspect of Equatorial culture, customs, and etiquette to learn about. Citizens of Equatorial Guinea can participate in a variety of festivals and holidays throughout the year, including those associated with the majority Christian faith, such as Christmas. Other significant dates observed by the people of this African country include President's Day, Armed Forces Day, and Independence Day. President's Day is celebrated on June 5th, the birthday of Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, who overthrew his dictator uncle during a military coup in 1979 and has been the president of Equatorial Guinea ever since. Armed Forces Day is observed on August 3rd and honors the accomplishments of the nation's military forces.

Equatorial Guinea celebrates its Independence Day on October 12th each year to commemorate the country's official independence from Spain. The Malabo Hip Hop Festival, which lasts ten days in December, and the Music Day Festival, which is sponsored in part by the nation's Ministry of Information, Culture, and Tourism, are two important festivals that take place in the country.