Jun 10, 2021
Portugal National Day 2021
This Doodle’s Key Themes
Portugal uniquely observes its national day in remembrance of one of the country’s most influential poets: Luís de Camões. Today’s Doodle commemorates this nation-wide holiday, celebrated annually by the Portuguese community around the world.
Luís de Camões’ magnum opus, the 1572 epic poem “Os Lusíadas” (“The Lusiads”), is widely considered the most significant work of literature in the Portuguese language. This literary masterpiece memorializes Camões’ travels and the Portuguese navigations of an oceanic trade route to India by explorer Vasco de Gama.
Ever since Portugal gained independence in 1640, June 10 has been observed as Dia de Camões. Traditionally on this day, the national Portuguese type of music and song known as fado can be heard echoing into the streets, as revelers celebrate this centuries-long tradition of their shared Portuguese heritage. A symbol of the nation’s culture, fado music features the Portuguese guitar, a 12-stringed chordophone depicted in the Doodle artwork.
Happy Dia de Camões, Portugal!
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