When summer rolls around and the jacarandas are blooming, Portugal gets ready to mark one of its most treasured occasions. Portugal Day – or “Dia de Portugal, de Camões e das Comunidades Portuguesas” if we’re being formal – is the country's official national holiday.
The day celebrates Portuguese culture, literary greats, and the millions of Portuguese spread across the globe. The festive buzz is laced with tradition, hearty food, and the sound of Fado drifting through the air, from the heart of Lisbon, along the banks of the Douro, and further afield.
What is Portugal Day?
Held on the 10th June, Portugal Day does more than fly the flag for the country itself. It puts the spotlight on the poet Luís de Camões, who is seen as Portugal's William Shakespeare.
It’s also time for a proper spread of national symbols, knitting together people from Porto to Maputo, Braga to Boston – anywhere Portuguese is celebrated and spoken. You’ll see the green and red flag everywhere, hear the anthem echoing through main squares, and witness a flourish of patriotism.
Historical significance of Portugal Day
Dig a little deeper and you’ll find Portugal Day’s roots are woven into the country’s literary and historic heritage. Camões wasn’t just a poet – he’s seen as a symbol of the Portuguese language and national identity. The poet's epic poem "Os Lusíadas" tells the story of the 'discovery' of a sea route to India by an explorer. It is referred to as the most significant work of Portuguese-language literature. The 10th of June marks the supposed anniversary of Camões's death in 1580.
The holiday’s modern incarnation grew in the 20th century, expanding beyond just memorialising Camões to embrace all Portuguese communities worldwide.
How is Portugal Day celebrated?
When June arrives, expect public squares to brim with banners and live music. The government usually picks a different city each year, sometimes outside Portugal, to host the main event. The main events for Portugal Day 2025 will be held in Lagos, with celebrations extending to the Portuguese community in Macau.
The president gives speeches, and there are military parades and honorary orders dished out to notable citizens, schoolchildren recite poems, and libraries run special exhibitions. Locals pour into the streets, enjoying public gatherings, outdoor concerts, and – when night falls – fireworks lighting up the summer sky.
Portugal Day in Portuguese cities
Lisbon tends to be the main stage for pomp and circumstance, especially if the government chooses the city to host official celebrations. The riverfront bulges with crowds, and the Torre de Belém is a classic spot for speeches and parades. Over in Porto, festivities lean into community street parties, plenty of local wine, and music concerts stretching into the evening.
Each city brings its own twist – in Coimbra, you might find university choirs honouring Camões, while down in the Algarve, locals and foreigners mingle in plazas adorned with green and red bunting.
Portugal Day around the world
Wander through Toronto’s “Little Portugal” or Newark, New Jersey, and it can feel like you’ve been dropped right in Lisbon. There are massive parades, sprawling food festivals, and a steadfast sense of community spirit. Toronto’s Portugal Day Parade draws thousands, with dancers in national costume and the aroma of grilled sardines. Newark’s Ironbound neighbourhood becomes a sea of revellers waving flags and soaking up live music.
What’s closed on Portugal Day?
For those living in Portugal, the day is a much-loved day off. Travellers should expect crowds in city centres and around key monuments.
As a public holiday, Portugal Day sees most government buildings, banks, and many local shops draw their shutters for the day. That said, Portugal doesn’t lose its rhythm – restaurants, especially those in popular tourist districts, stay buzzing and ready for business. The big supermarkets and shopping centres sometimes adjust hours, but you’ll always find a handful open. Public transport might run on a slightly reduced schedule, so it’s wise to check in advance if you’re planning to hop between neighbourhoods or cities.
Portugal Day traditions, music, food and culture
You'll come across grilled sardines, caldo verde, and sweet pastéis de nata for pudding. Many families bring out old recipes, sharing them with neighbours or anyone who drops by. Live Fado performances spill into the streets, joined by folk dances, local ensembles and buskers.
Traditions can differ from district to district. In the north, people might focus on local saints as well, while in Madeira, it’s all about open-air gatherings with plenty of wine. Across the oceans, diaspora communities turn these customs into symbols of home, tweaking recipes and melodies. If you fancy diving into other fantastic festivals up and down the country.
Other important Portuguese national holidays
Portugal isn’t shy about celebrating key moments in its past, with several standout national holidays. Just a few months before Portugal Day comes the Carnation Revolution, marking the end of the dictatorship. There’s also Republic Day in October and All Saints’ Day in November.
However, June is the month for festivities in Portugal, thanks to the Santos Populares. This consists of a series of celebrations in honour of the country's religious saints. Lisbon's biggest festival, Santo António, the hedonistic São João in Porto, and São Pedro Festival along the coast are all great blowouts to experience.