Did you know that the holiday celebrated on June 10, in addition to being Portugal Day is also Camões Day and Portuguese Communities Day?

The 10th of June is one of the main civil holidays in Portugal, but did you know that in addition to being Portugal Day it is also Camões Day and Portuguese Communities Day?
 
The date has to do with the fact that Luís Vaz de Camões died on June 10, 1580. Considered one of the greatest authors in lusophone literature and one of Portugal's greatest poets, little is known about Camões’s life. However, his iconic image with a patch over one eye and sixteenth-century collar are well known.
 
Legend has it that Camões moved to Africa where he enlisted as a soldier and would end up losing an eye in battle. He later returned to Portugal, where he was arrested several times, and then adventured to Asia, where he would write his best-known work, the epic poem "Os Lusíadas".
 
“Os Lusíadas” has a total of 1102 stanzas, with 8816 verses, in ten “cantos” that celebrate the discovery of a sea route to India by the Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama, among other inspiring moments of Portuguese history. The influence of the masterpiece “Os Lusíadas” is so profound that the Portuguese language is sometimes called the "language of Camões".
 
June 10 is also the day of the Portuguese Communities. Portugal Day is celebrated on all continents, thanks to the joint work of the diplomatic and consular network, the Portuguese associative movement in the diaspora and the millions of Portuguese citizens and descendants throughout the world. Whether in Portugal or living abroad, it is with pride that the Portuguese celebrate their history, culture and traditions.

What to do on Portugal Day

If you are in Portugal during the celebration of this wonderful holiday, don’t miss the opportunity to share the pride and celebrate with us!
 
On the Silver Coast, we suggest visiting the magnificent tombs of the lovers D. Pedro and Inês de Castro, which you can visit in the Church of the Monastery of Alcobaça. This tragic love story is one of the most iconic symbols of Portuguese history and also one of the best-known parts of "Os Lusíadas".
 
In Lisbon, there are lots of places to visit that celebrate Portugal’s rich history, such as the Torre de Belém or the Padrão dos Descobrimentos. Don't miss the famous Pastéis de Belém near the Mosteiro dos Jerónimos or visit one of the traditional Fado houses to get a feel for this beautiful and unique form of musical expression.
 
In the Algarve, we invite you to be dazzled by the immensity of the sea that has inspired Portuguese sailors for centuries. A perfect way to enjoy the sea views is in one of the many restaurants overlooking the Atlantic where you can enjoy delicious grilled sardines and a glass of fresh white wine. What better way to celebrate Portugal?
 
If the Portuguese lifestyle inspires you, give us a call to find out more about the many advantages of living and investing in property for sale in Portugal.
 
We have a wide range of property for sale in the beautiful Silver Coast and are new build specialists in Portuguese property.
 

Portugal Realty™ - Property for sale in Portugal