If you are reading this, you probably would like to know more about Portugal’s traditions and heritage, right? Or maybe you have heard something about some crazy festivities in June? 🙂

Well, you have come to the right place! With this post you will find out what does the Portugal Day stands for!

Ready to start this Cool journey through History? Let’s go then!

Now that we got you on board, let’s begin. Portugal has almost 900 years of existence. We have achieved a lot as a nation, experienced a few revolutions, and changed the regime a few times as well.

This is somewhat linked to a very special way of being Portuguese, let’s call it a ‘certificate of authenticity’: we are always unsatisfied and unfulfilled. We think that Portuguese sailors just crossed the Ocean to escape boredom!

Portugal day (10th June) is not only celebrated in the country but also all over the world where there’s Portuguese communities. If you have a Little Portugal district close to you just follow the music and join the party!

It’s easy to know you’re there! Besides the unmistakable smell of grilled sardines, the whole package includes beer, wine, liqueurs, codfish, “bifanas” (pork sandwiches), custard tarts, pastries, olive oil, bread, cheese, Chouriço (salami made out of pork – yeah we love pork didn’t you know?). And let’s not forget about the music, the cheesy folkloric songs with a fair share of sexual innuendos – don’t worry it’s pretty harmless, since it is made mostly with play on words!

a large crowd of people

The ‘Santos Populares’ is the best outdoor party ever!

Another key element for Portugal Day celebrations is something that has Latin, Arabian, English and French influences. Can you guess what it is?

If you said language you’re right! Portuguese is the sixth most spoken language in the world, because of the colonial past Portugal has built during the Age of Discoveries.

Another legitimate question is tied to our proximity to Spain. Portugal Day is not a celebration of independence, that’s actually a different date. Portugal is an independent state since 1143, which makes us very old indeed!

The habit of celebrating Portugal Day was instituted in the late 19th century, and it was created as a tribute to LuĂ­s de CamĂ”es, Portugal’s greatest poet, member of the “Wall of Fame Poets Team” along with Homer, Virgil, Dante, Cervantes and Shakespeare!

a person posing for the camera

The GOAT of lyric poetry!

The influence of CamĂ”es masterpiece, The Lusiads (Os LusĂ­adas) published in the 16th century gave him the status of “father of the modern portuguese language” witch is also known as “language of CamĂ”es“.

Also, CamÔes wore an eye patch after losing his right eye fighting in Africa which makes him look super Cool! His tomb at Jerónimos Monastery is awesome and a must see in our Lisbon City DeTour.

There are several places, squares, streets, avenues named after CamĂ”es all over the country
 you probably have heard about the western most point of continental Europe, an inspiring place that he called once “where the land ends and sea begins”. The amazing scenery of the Cabo da Roca is a part of our Sintra tour as well.

Throughout history, we fought against the Moors (religion), the Spaniards (border), the Dutch (trade deals), the French (Napoleon) and the British (african colonies) but Portugal Day is not about conflicts but, instead, to celebrate “being Portuguese”.

So if you would like to be Portuguese for a day, we invite you to come to our country and have a great day out with The Cooltours! We will be ready to tell you much more curiosities about Portugal Day and our 900 years of history. Just bring a good mood
 we will provide you everything else!