The Portuguese communities, every year, on June 10, observes Portugal Day, which is called Dia de Portugal in native language. It is their national holiday, which commemorates the death anniversary of Luís de Camões, a significant figure in the history of Portugal. Aside from the beautiful and rich culture, Portugal Day has a lot more significant history and traditions associated to the celebration of Dia de Portugal. As we celebrate Portugal Day 2019 today, let us know and explore some great facts about the southern European country. World Europe Day 2019: 5 Summer Destinations That You Can Visit in This Beautiful Continent Filled With Nature's Bounty!

National Portugal Day is a day of cultural and colourful parades for everyone residing in Portugal as well as Portuguese people across the world. It is a day, appreciating Camões notable works and families gathering together for cultural feasts.

Portugal Day 2019 Date

Every year, the National Day of Portugal is celebrated on June 10, marking the death anniversary of Luís de Camões, an important figure, a greatest poet in Portuguese language.

Portugal Day: History and Significance

Portugal Day is the national holiday, commemorating the death of Luís de Camões, (June 10, 1580), writer of Os Lusiadas, the epic poem which is a tribute to Portugal’s history and achievements. The poem is considered as one of the most important works in Portuguese literature. It is since 1641, people observe Portugal Day annually on June 10, to honour the life and works of Portugal’s literary hero.

During the authoritarian Estado Novo regime, in the 20th century, Camoes was considered as a symbol of Portuguese nation. It was, the then Prime Minister of Portugal, Antonio de Oliveira Salazar, who in 1944, referred June 10 as Dia da Raca, Day of the Portuguese race. It is important to note here that celebrations of Portugal Day were officially suspended during the Carnation Revolution in 1974. It was after the year that celebrations were resumed and even expanded to include, the Comunidades Portuguesas, Portuguese emigrants and their descendants living in communities across the world.

Portugal Day celebrations involve military ceremonies, exhibitions, concerts, pageants and parades and awards ceremony which is held by the President of the Portuguese Republic. Every year, the President chooses a city to host the official Portugal Day celebrations.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 10, 2019 08:00 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).