Portugal (officially the Portuguese Republic; Portuguese: República Portuguesa), is a country on the Iberian Peninsula in Southwestern Europe, including the Atlantic archipelagos of the Azores and Madeira. National Day in Portugal is observed as Portugal Day on June 10 each year commemorating the death of Luís de Camões, a poet and national literary icon. Please scroll down to know more about Portugal Day along with its history and celebration ideas.
Portugal Day 2024
Portugal Day is officially the Day of Portugal, Camões, known as Dia de Portugal, de Camões e das Comunidades Portuguesas to the Portuguese Communities, which is celebrated annually on June 10th. It is a public holiday in Portugal and is celebrated by Portuguese people all over the world. It commemorates the June 10, 1580 death of Luís de Camões, poet and national literary icon. This year, Portugal Day will be celebrated on Monday, June 10, 2024.
History Of Portugal Day
When it came to representing Portuguese nationalism, Camões died in a succession crisis, and Felipe II of Spain assumed the throne of Portugal in 1580. However, the kingdom regained its independence on December 1, 1640, when the Spanish were expelled by the Portuguese during the War of Restoration and John of Bragança was crowned King John IV of Portugal.
Portugal Day has been celebrated every year except 1974. Prime Minister António de Oliveira Salazar established the day in 1944. The Carnation Revolution, a military coup that overthrew the tyrannical dictatorship of Estado Novo, brought celebrations to a halt that year. After 1974, the festivities were expanded to include the Comunidades Portlanduesas, Portuguese emigrants, and their descendants residing in communities around the world.
Portugal Day Celebrations
The 10th of June is Portugal Day, on which Portugal and the Portuguese diaspora around the world remember the death of the eminent Portuguese poet Luís Vaz de Camões. Camões is best known for his epic poem Os Lusíadas, which celebrates Portugal’s maritime explorations and discoveries. Official celebrations have been held in the town of Elvas for the second time since 1997, as a reminder that it is also a day for the Portuguese community all over the world. The official celebrations in 2016 were split between Lisbon and Paris for the first time.
How to Celebrate Portugal Day
Portugal day is called ‘Dia de Portugal, de Camões e das Comunidades Portuguesas’, which translates as ‘Day of Portugal, Camões and the Portuguese Communities’. Below we have given you 5 ideas to celebrate Portugal Day:
1. Portuguese cooking
Portuguese cuisine is one of the best cuisines on earth, and since you live here, why not try it like a local one? Some of my favourite recipes are:
- Francesinha (a popular meats sandwich and extraordinary sauce from Porto)
- Cataplana (traditional Algarve seafood)
- Bacalhau à Gomes de Sá (codfish with potatoes and eggs)
- Cozido à Portuguesa (traditional Portuguese stew)
- Caldo Verde (kale soup)
- Arroz de pato (duck rice)
2. Enjoy the Nature of Portugal
Portugal is a wonderful country with a lot of natural resources. From coastal beaches to inland caves, there is everything one needs for. On the national day of Portugal, spend some time exploring Portugal’s natural environment. Hike in the mountains, walk on the beach or spend some time in your backyard.
3. Listen to Portuguese Music
Portuguese music is diverse and interesting, from traditional fado to contemporary pop. On this day, free some time to listen to some of the best Portuguese music. There is plenty of great Portuguese music on Spotify or YouTube.
Some recommended artists include:
- Miguel Araújo
- Rui Veloso
- Ana Moura
- Amália Rodrigues
- Carminho
4. Watch a classic Portuguese film
Portugal has a rich history and has a long in the cinema industry. Watching Portuguese films is a great way to experience not only the culture but also the Portuguese language. You can find ample great Portuguese movies on Netflix or Amazon Prime.
Some recommended films include:
- Fatima (2020)
- Capitães de Abril (2000)
- Belarmino (1964)
- Os Verdes Anos (1963)
- Maria do Mar (1930)
5. Attend an event
It is a great opportunity to know about Portugal Day is to attending an event or ceremony or seminar.
How is Portugal Day Celebrated?
Portugal Day is an opportunity for the Portuguese community to come together and celebrate their heritage. It is celebrated by having local dishes such as cataplana (seafood stew) and pastel de Belem (custard pie), often served with Medronho, a special drink in the Algarve. On Portugal day, there are military parades, orchestras and fireworks, which are among the traditional activities of Dia de Camões.
Flag of Portugal and its Significance
The national flag of Portugal (Portuguese: Bandeira de Portugal) consists of a bicolour rectangle with a field divided into blue, green, and red. On June 30, 1911, an official decree was issued recognizing the flag as the official flag.
The Flag is used for the Civil and state Flag. The proportion is 2:3 and was adopted on 30th June 1911. A 2:3 vertically striped bicolour green and red, with the small coat of arms of Portugal in the centre of the colour border.
Portugal National Symbols
Symbols of Portugal are official and unofficial flags, icons or cultural expressions that are symbolic, representative or distinctive of Portugal and its culture.
Galo de Barcelos (Cock of Barcelos) is one of the most famous emblems of Portugal.
National Anthem of Portugal
"A Portuguesa" is Portugal's national anthem. The composer of this song is Alfredo Keil and written by Henrique Lopes de Mendonça during the revival of the nationalist movement which was burned by the 1890 British Ultimatum to Portugal, from its African colonies. The anthem was adopted on October 5, 1910.
Happy Portugal Day 2024 Wishes, Greetings
Portugal Day commemorates the death of Luís de Camões, considered the country’s greatest national icon. Below we brought best wishes and messages for you to share with your loved ones on this day -
- On the occasion of Portugal Day, I wish you all the good spirits of the Portuguese people. Feliz Dia de Portugal!
- Let the great light of Luís de Camões brighten you on this Portugal Day and get closer to a great poet. Feliz Dia de Portugal!
- May your day be full of wisdom and prosperity this Portugal Day and may it lead you to literary heaven.
- Following the path led by Luís de Camões can change your attitude towards life in a positive way.
- One of the greatest poets in the world comes from our country. How lucky we are to celebrate him on Portugal Day!
Portugal Day 2024 Status, Captions
Portugal is the oldest country in Europe. Having the same defined borders since 1139. Here are the best Portugal Day statuses to post on Facebook, Instagram, or any social platforms -
- Your life should have a little space to celebrate the work of Luís de Camões on the occasion of Portugal Day. Feliz Dia de Portugal!
- May this Portugal Day be full of happiness and relaxation for you and your family. Feliz Dia de Portugal!
- I wish you all the best of luck on this glorious eve of Portugal Day and may you have a great day ahead! Feliz Dia de Portugal!
- It's a blessing to live in the country where Luís de Camões was born and resided. Happy Portugal Day!
- Today is not an ordinary day, but a day to commemorate the death of the great Luís de Camões. Keep him alive in your prayers and celebrate Portugal Day.
Happy Portugal Day 2024 SMS, Messages
It's no wonder that Portuguese is the official language of 9 countries with more than 236 million people speaking it globally. Below are a collection of SMS you may find helpful on Portugal Day -
- Warm greetings to you and your family on this bright and happy Portugal Day. Feliz Dia de Portugal!
- Luís de Camões' work and activities will determine the quality of life. Happy Portugal Day everyone!
- The poems of Luís de Camões are a divine way to seek help through words. Happy Portugal Day!
- Be confident and have faith in your pens like Luís de Camões had because it has the power to change minds. Happy Portugal Day!
- The poems certainly will help you walk the Luís de Camões path and come out as someone else. Feliz Dia de Portugal!
Portuguese Proverbs, Quotes, and Sayings
Luís de Camões wrote an epic poem entitled “Os Lusíadas”, which translates as “The Lusiadas”, which becomes a symbol of Portuguese pride. Below is a collection of beautiful and inspiring Portuguese proverbs, quotes and sayings -
“Faint heart never won fair lady.” – Portuguese Proverb
“Those who do not risk, do not benefit.”– Portuguese Proverb
“Experience is the mother of wisdom.” – Portuguese Proverb
Meowing cats catch fewer mice. – Portuguese Proverb
Don’t leave for tomorrow what you can do today. – Portuguese Proverb
“Beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder.”– Portuguese Quote
“Necessity makes the frog jump.”– Portuguese Quote
As the Portuguese celebrate Portugal Day, they commemorate with love the country's most famous poet who made tremendous contributions to Portuguese literature. Although the day is primarily celebrated as a public holiday in Portugal, it is recognized as such in some other countries as well. These include Canada, the United States and the United Kingdom.