Carnival returns to the streets of Bissau after a two-year absence

After an interruption that lasted two years due to the pandemic, Carnival returned to the streets of Bissau last Saturday bringing together all ethnic groups in a show of colour and unity.

"The Guinea Bissau carnival is authentic and original, because it shows the customs of each ethnic group in the country and its cultural diversity: its dynamics, its way of singing, dressing and dancing. It is truly an authentic and original carnival!", said  Rui Manuel Da Costa , co-organiser of the Carnival.

For many, Carnival represents an opportunity to celebrate the country's diverse cultural heritage .

This year, neighbouring Senegal was the guest of honour.

"Carnival means a lot to me, because it allows me to feel truly Guinean.

It is with the carnival that we can represent our culture and our way of life. I would like every Guinean to be able to show and live his or her culture, because every day our cultural heritage is disappearing", said Carnival participant  Alfredo Sylvestre Nanque .

Another Carnival participant, Daniela Semedo Djoco , "t he elders are trying to save our cultural heritage, but the youth don't want to learn.

The government must set up a mechanism to make young people aware of Guinean culture, because our culture is very beautiful".

The event was opened by the minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Augusto Gomes , who stressed the close ties shared with neighbouring Senegal .