National Day in Portugal honors Luís de Camões, the 16th-century poet who wrote Os Lusíadas, Portugal's national epic celebrating its Age of Discoveries. The holiday commemorates Portuguese history, culture, and global identity. It also pays tribute to Portuguese communities abroad, reflecting the nation's unity across continents.

When is National Day?

National Day in Portugal is celebrated on June 10 every year.

The following is the list of National Day from 2020 to 2049.

The History of National Day?

Portugal's National Day, celebrated on June 10, is linked to the death of Luís Vaz de Camões (c.1524–1580), one of the greatest poets of the Portuguese language. Camões wrote Os Lusíadas (1572), an epic poem that glorifies Portugal's Age of Discoveries, celebrating explorers like Vasco da Gama and the nation's maritime achievements.

His death on June 10, 1580, came at a time when Portugal was losing its independence to Spain, making his legacy a lasting symbol of national pride and identity.

Initially, June 10 was not an official national holiday but was informally celebrated by intellectuals, patriots and literary societies during the 19th century, particularly after Portugal regained independence from Spain in 1640. Camões' figure became a symbol of Portuguese language, culture and resilience, representing the spirit of the nation.

In 1880, the 300th anniversary of Camões' death was widely celebrated with parades, speeches and public tributes, strengthening calls for a national holiday.

During the First Portuguese Republic (1910–1926), June 10 gained greater patriotic significance as a day celebrating the Portuguese nation and its achievements.

Under the Estado Novo regime (1933–1974), led by António de Oliveira Salazar, it was officially designated as the "Day of the Portuguese Race".

The Carnation Revolution on April 25, 1974 ended the dictatorship and ushered in democracy. The new democratic government redefined June 10, shifting its focus from nationalism to cultural pride and inclusion.

Today, June 10 is celebrated both in Portugal and worldwide by Portuguese communities. The holiday is a unifying moment for Portuguese citizens and emigrants, symbolizing shared culture and language across continents.