Today Wednesday 10th June is Portugal Day and a national holiday. It is known as the Dia de Portugal (Day of Portugal), but it is officially called Dia de Camões (Day of Camões) after Portugal’s national poet, Luis de Camões. 

The day marks the death of Luís de Camões on June 10th of 1580. Camões is considered Portugal’s and the Portuguese language’s greatest poet and explorer. He is best known for his work “Os Lusíadas”, the national epic poem of Portugal that celebrates the nation’s successes and rich history, dedicated to King Sebastian who died in the Battle of Alcazarquivir in Morocco. It was written on his travels and he saved it from being destroyed when he was shipwrecked. He is regarded as a national hero. The Os Lusíadas poem is one of the most important works in Portuguese literature and celebrates the country’s epic history and represents Portuguese pride. The poet’s date of birth is unknown, which is why he is commemorated on the day of his death.

Celebrations

Portugal Day is a chance for locals and visitors alike to remember Portugal’s rich heritage, get together, and celebrate. On 10th June, you can dance to Portuguese music and spend the day eating local cuisine. Celebrations include military ceremonies, pageants, concerts, parades and fireworks. The Portuguese know how to celebrate in style!

This year is going to be a little different due to restrictions on group gatherings (maximum of 20) but I am sure that everyone is going to celebrate in some shape or form, I know I am.

Tomorrow is also a national holiday here in Portugal. Corpus Christi, also known in Portugal as the Body of God or Dio de Corpo de Deusis. It is a religious catholic celebration, commemorating the last supper, the day before Jesus was crucified. There are also two other regional holidays: Feast of St Anthony (Lisbon) on June 13th and Feast of St John the Baptist (Porto) on 24th June.

I hope you have a great day. I was rudely awoken by builders working on the house behind at 7am!!!!!! hence why I’m out of bed before 10am today. It can only get better XXX