Jun 10, 2018
Portugal National Day 2018
This Doodle’s Key Themes
Every year since 1977, joyous crowds parade through the streets of Portugal on June 10, enjoying concerts and pageants, and reveling in their shared Portuguese heritage. Rather than a military victory or a head of state, Portugal National Day celebrates the life of the country’s most renowned poet, Luis de Camões.
Camões’ seminal work Os Lusíadas is as revered in Portugal as Homer’s Iliad was in Greece. The 10 canto saga has been a symbol of Portuguese national pride since its publication in 1572. According to legend, Camões survived a shipwreck near present-day Vietnam and swam to shore holding an early draft of the epic poem in his hand. No wonder he remains one of Portugal’s most revered literary icons.
Camões passed away on June 10, 1580, just as his homeland was going through a royal succession crisis which led to the country’s annexation by Spain. Dia de Portugal, also known as Dia de Camões, has been celebrated ever since Portugal regained its independence in 1640.
As Camões himself put it, "Esta é a Ditosa Pátria Minha Amada!" (This is my beloved, blessed fatherland!)
Where this Doodle appeared
Discover more Doodles by color
Did you know?
The very first Doodle launched as an “out of office” message of sorts when company founders Larry and Sergey went on vacation.
Learn MoreDid you know?
The first Doodle launched in 1998, before Google was officially incorporated.
Learn MoreDid you know?
The first same day Doodle was created in 2009 when water was discovered on the moon.
Learn MoreDid you know?
Doodle for Google student contest winners have gone on to become professional artists
Learn MoreDid you know?
The time it takes from sketch to launch for a Doodle varies widely: some have taken years and others just a few hours!
Learn MoreDid you know?
Hundreds of Doodles launch around the world every year. Often, several different ones are live in different places at the same time!
Learn MoreDid you know?
Our most frequently recurring Doodle character is Momo the Cat - named after a real-life team pet!
Learn More