Guinea-Bissau Carnival

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