DIA DE PORTUGAL
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
3 Comments
HFFC
5 years agoAnd Feast of Saint Peter on June 29th, local holliday depending on wich city you live, in Lisbon is holliday at june 13th, in Porto, Braga and other towns is June 24th, in Felgueiras, Póvoa do Varzim, etc it is on June 29th
Helen
5 years agoHi,
I love researching all the public/national holidays and the history/religion behind them. It’s a shame all the celebrations are cancelled or low key due to Covid-19 as the Portuguese know how to celebtate in style. Maybe next year!
Thanks,
Helen.
HFFC
5 years agoHere our local Holliday is June 24th, but nothing to do with Saint John Feast, it was at June 24th 1128 that the Battle of São Mamede took place, seguring the independent claims of the Portucalense County, so here June 24th is called 1st Day of Portugal.