June 10th is Portugal Day, or Dia de Portugal, a national holiday celebrated annually across the country and by Portuguese communities worldwide. This day holds a special place on the calendar, following immediately after Azores Day, creating a perfect two-day celebration for many people.

The holiday commemorates the death of Luís de Camões, a literary giant considered Portugal’s greatest poet and a figure often likened to William Shakespeare for his profound impact on the nation’s culture and language.

This holiday is often seen as Portugal’s equivalent of the “4th of July,” a day of immense national pride and patriotism. The celebrations are a vibrant display of national identity, filled with much-loved traditions. The air is often filled with the sounds of music and the spectacle of fireworks, and people gather in the streets to socialize, dance, and share in a collective sense of unity.

It’s a day that goes beyond a simple public holiday; it’s a powerful reminder of Portugal’s rich history, its global influence, and the enduring legacy of figures like Luís de Camões who helped shape its very soul.

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Anthony “Tiger” Liu is an American expat and the operator of Golden Mermaid Villa and Longevity Habit retreat, where he shares a passion for the vibrant culture and nourishing lifestyle of São Miguel.