Camões Day (Portugal and Macau)
Camões Day is celebrated on June 10th in both Portugal and Macau, commemorating the life and legacy of the renowned poet Luís de Camões, often regarded as Portugal's national poet. Born around 1524 in Lisbon, Camões is best known for his epic poem "The Lusíads," which reflects the adventures and history of the Portuguese during their age of exploration. His life included periods spent in military service across various countries, including Morocco, India, and Macau, where he faced personal difficulties and controversies. The day marks the anniversary of his death in 1580 and is recognized as a public holiday in both regions, showcasing a blend of cultural traditions. Celebrations typically involve fairs, folk dancing, traditional foods, arts and crafts, and parades, highlighting the vibrant heritage of Portuguese culture. Additionally, Camões Day is observed by Portuguese communities in the United States, further extending its significance beyond mainland Portugal and Macau. The day serves as an opportunity for reflection on Camões' contributions to literature and Portuguese identity.
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Camões Day (Portugal and Macau)
Camões Day (Portugal and Macau)
Luis de Camões, probably born in Lisbon, Portugal, sometime in 1524, was a poet who wrote The Lusíads, now considered Portugal's national epic. He was educated at the University of Coimbra and served briefly as a tutor in the court of Portuguese King John III but fell out of favor after having an affair with one of the queen's ladies in waiting. Camões left Portugal in 1546 to pursue a life abroad in the military, during which he served in Morocco, India, and Macau. Macau, an important trading city on the southeast coast of China, was a Portuguese colony from 1556 until 1999, when it was transferred back to China. While in Macau Camões got into trouble yet again and returned to India, where he wrote The Lusíads, an epic adventure along the lines of Virgil's Aeneid but centered around the Portuguese and Portuguese history. It is named after Lusus, the legendary founder of Portugal. Camões returned to Lisbon in 1570, and his work was published in 1572. He died in poverty on June 10, 1580. The anniversary of his death is a public holiday in both Portugal and Macau, and is also celebrated by Portuguese communities in the United States. Events include fairs, folk dancing, traditional foods, arts and crafts, parades, and other festivities.