End of Ramadan (Eid al-Fitr) in Guinea-Bissau
In Guinea-Bissau, the end of Ramadan is listed as a national obligatory holiday. The decree requires work to cease in both public and private sectors, apart from activities that cannot be interrupted by their nature.[1] Eid al-Fitr marks the close of the Ramadan fast and falls at the beginning of Shawwal in the Islamic lunar calendar.[2]
A national holiday under Guinea-Bissau law
Decree No. 1/2023 includes “Ramadão” among Guinea-Bissau’s national obligatory holidays. It says all work activities in the public and private sectors must cease, except those that cannot be interrupted because of their nature.[1]
The decree does not set out a separate Eid al-Fitr provision, a substitute-day rule, or a detailed list of affected services. Its additional public-service release days are named separately and do not include Ramadão.[1]
Meaning and timing
Eid al-Fitr, the Feast of Breaking the Fast, marks the end of Ramadan. It takes place during the first days of Shawwal, the tenth month of the Hijri lunar calendar. Because that calendar is shorter than the solar calendar, the festival moves earlier through the Gregorian calendar from year to year.[2]
The holiday’s Guinea-Bissau-specific significance is also civic: the national decree places Ramadão alongside other obligatory public holidays and applies the work-cessation rule across public and private sectors.[1]
Observance and what is documented
Eid practices differ among Muslim communities. The Open University describes congregational prayer, charity for people in need, family and community gatherings, and festive food as features of Eid al-Fitr in various settings; these are general background, not a verified account of customs specific to Guinea-Bissau.[2]
Ramadão is a national obligatory holiday, and the work-cessation rule applies across public and private sectors.[1]
Practical effects
The decree’s work-cessation rule means workplaces in both sectors are generally covered, with an exception for activities that cannot be interrupted.[1] It does not name banks, shops, schools, or transport services individually, so their opening hours cannot be confirmed from this source. Travelers should check directly with the relevant provider before making plans.
Frequently asked questions
Is Eid al-Fitr an official public holiday in Guinea-Bissau?
Yes. Decree No. 1/2023 lists Ramadão as a national obligatory holiday and requires work to cease in public and private sectors, except for activities that cannot be interrupted by their nature.[1]
When does Eid al-Fitr take place?
It takes place at the beginning of Shawwal, after Ramadan. Its Gregorian date changes from year to year because the Hijri calendar is lunar.[2]
Are banks and shops closed?
The decree’s work-cessation rule covers public and private sectors, but it does not name banks or shops specifically. Check with individual businesses for their holiday hours.[1]
Is there a substitute day if Eid falls on a weekend?
Decree No. 1/2023 does not state a substitute-day rule for Ramadão.[1]
Sources and references
Sources used for End of Ramadan (Eid al-Fitr) in Guinea-Bissau:
- Decreto n.º 1/2023 — Feriados Nacionais Obrigatórios- República da Guiné-Bissau, Boletim Oficial
- Eid al-Fitr- The Open University, OpenLearn