Guinea Bissau is a very colourful country in terms of cultural diversity. Over the years, the people have been able to preserve their ethnicity and roots which can be seen through their music and art.
The country is made up of people of diverse ethnic backgrounds. The country is made up of more than 10 tribes or ethnic groups with differing customs, way of life, languages and social structure.
General Etiquette.
Greetings are very important in Guinea Bissau. When visiting villages in Guinea Bissau, it is important to bring or offer something to the chief as a courtesy. When eating, it is important to always use the right hand. It is important as a foreigner to ask for permission before taking a photograph.
It is not allowed to take photographs around government business or military installations. If you do not know the customs or behavior expected of you at traditional ceremonies and rituals then it is most important to follow the lead of those who know or ask before you attend.
Religion
Guinea Bissau is a religiously diverse country with different religions such as Muslims, Christian, and traditional beliefs. Muslims take up about 45.1% of the population and Christians contribute 22.1% and traditional beliefs take up 14.9% and the remaining 17.9% includes those who mix religions and those who have no religious beliefs.
Christians are predominantly Catholic. Traditional beliefs include believing in the ancestors and appeasing them at traditional functions or rituals.
Food and cuisine
Guinean Bissau food is just like most West African food with dishes based around rice, cassava, yams, fish and maize. There are also popular soups eaten with Fufu and couscous which can be mixed with meat or fish.
Guinea Bissau food is best eaten using the hands and can be served in one plate and shared by family members or friends.
Egusi- these are protein rich seeds that are dried and then ground. These can be used as an ingredient to create Egusi soup and as an ingredient in other cuisines.
Fufu- is a staple food in most West African countries and is made from ground cassava and plantain flour. It is eaten with soups and using the hands.
Dried fish- dried fish are very common in Africa. Drying is done as a way of preserving them. They can be served with Fufu.
Yassa- Yassa is a spicy dish created out of onions and tomatoes and marinated chicken or fish. Other ingredients include lemon or mustard but these are optional.
Music
Music plays an integral part of people’s lives in Guinea Bissau. It unites people and brings them together or one can simply say it is a unifier. Different genres are performed at the various events held and the events vary as well from social gatherings, religious festivals or initiations.
The different genres include the Gumbe, Tinga, Tina, Kussunde, Balanta brosca, Kundere, and Mandinka djambadon which are mostly popular throughout the Bijagos Islands. Instruments are varies as well including the djembe, kora and some calabash instrument.
Art.
People in Guinea Bissau are also very crafty people who use their hands to create the most unique pieces. The Bijagos tribe are very skilled in creating masks and unique sculptures. Most of their craft are used at carnivals and also popular among tourists.
They also create statues which are used at rituals as a representation of their great spirits or Irans. Guineans also create unique home wares like baskets and clay pots and bowls created from reeds.
Sport
Football is the most popular sport in Guinea Bissau just like in other West African countries. The country takes part in competitions like the Africa Cup of Nations and the Fifa World Cup.
Other sports codes, though not as big as soccer, include swimming diving, basketball and wrestling.
" Its a place to be" - Martin from Canada
