About the holiday
The Portugal National Day is celebrated on the 10th of June each year. In Portugal, this day is usually called 'Dia de Portugal, de Camões e das Comunidades Portuguesas', which translates to 'Day of Portugal, Camões, and the Portuguese Communities'. This day was specifically picked to remember the death of Luís Vaz de Camões, the country’s national icon of Literature. Camões’ poem, in which Camões narrates the story of Portuguese explorations in the 15th century, became such a powerful symbol of Portuguese heritage that it was made the national anthem and was honoured by every elected government. Portugal Day has been celebrated every year since 1944, except in 1974 during the Carnation Revolution (25th April 1974) due to the countrywide protests and the end of the autocrat Estado Novo dictatorship. Later that year the celebrations were expanded to include the Comunidades Portuguesas, Portuguese emigrants, and their descendants residing in communities all over the world.
What do you miss most about home?
Growing up in Portugal is by far one of the most wonderful experiences I had. Living here for 17 years and in a reality such as different as it is living in the Azores islands, it made me realise that doesn’t matter for how long you are far from home you always have “Saudade” (Portuguese word for emotional state of melancholic or profoundly nostalgic longing for a beloved yet absent something or someone). Being away from Terceira Island, made me miss the food, the people, our traditions, the nature and the calmness… To sum it up, I miss a little of everything.
You can read more about Terceira Island in www.visitazores.com/en/the-azores/terceira
What do you find rewarding about working in a multinational environment like JALLC?
I have been working at the JALLC for almost eight months right now and I am glad I had the opportunity to come here, as it is my first post. I enjoy interacting with other Nations’ cultures and lifestyles. Working in a multinational environment makes you learn about other cultures every day. In my opinion, it helps us to be more sympathetic towards other Nations’ way of living and raises awareness that we are all different and that respect for each other and each other’s culture must be the at the heart of what the JALLC does.
What is something unique in Portugal that others may not know?
We have a lot to see in such small country! Portugal has a little bit of everything for all tastes. The weather and all the variety of landscapes make this country interesting and that’s why Portugal is increasingly growing its popularity. The uniqueness of Portugal comes from all of the simple things combined, such as our natural beauty, welcoming people, and great gastronomy. As someone raised in an Azorean Island, surrounded by nature, and that has now moved to the mainland, I figured that Portugal has it all and that makes it complete.
How do you usually celebrate this national day?
One year ago, I would simply answer this question by saying that I would be taking part in the Portuguese Military Ceremony and it would be the same this year if I was not at the JALLC. However, before joining the military, I would spend this day with my family and friends in a “get-together” with food, music, a lot of talking, just enjoying each other’s company! That for sure would be the best way of celebrating the Portuguese National Day.