Dia de Portugal celebrations in San Jose, California

Dia de Portugal celebrations in San Jose, CA 

Flag of Portugal

The lover becomes the thing he loves 
By virtue of much imagining; 
Since what I long for is already in me, 
The act of longing should be enough.
~ Luís de Camões

Portugal’s National Day to commemorate it's greatest poet and national literary icon Luís Vaz de Camões who wrote the epic poem Os Lusíadas (1572; The Lusiads which means “to the children of Luso” aka Portuguese) exalting Portuguese history and achievements during the glory days of the 16th-century in particular the discovery of a sea route to India by Vasco da Gama that brought fame and fortune to the country. The work is dedicated to King Sebastian who died in the Battle of Alcazarquivir in Morocco. 

Luís Vaz de Camões

My song shall spread where ever there are men, if wit and art will so much guide my pen ~ Luís de Camões

Dia de Portugal aka Dia de Camões is celebrated with great enthusiasm by Portuguese emigrants and descendents in the San Jose area of California each year on June 10, 1580. 

 

Since Camões date of birth in 1524/25 is unknown, his date of death June 10, 1580 is celebrated as Portugal's National Day.



Love is a fire that burns unseen, 
A wound that aches yet isn't felt, 
An always discontent contentment, 
A pain that rages without hurting
~ Luís de Camões

The San Francisco Bay Area has a large Portuguese diaspora, many from the Azores. Dia de Portugal in California was first celebrated in California on June 10, 1966. It was established and sponsored by the Luso-American Education Foundation with a celebratory banquet and flag raising ceremonies. 





Up until the early 2000’s, the celebrations took place on June 10th in a different community each year, so as to encourage participation. Subsequently the annual Dia de Portugal Festival moved to its permanent home at History Park San Jose where anyone can enjoy Portuguese food and culture, as well as that of other Lusophone countries like Macau and Brazil and colonies like Goa and Macao. The Portuguese food is to die for!!


Credit for last 2 photo: [1]

I am ending the course of my life, but the world will bear witness how I have loved my country; I have returned not only to die on her bosom, but to die with her! ~ Luís de Camões

Viva Portugal!

References:

[1] “History - Dia de Portugal Festival.” Dia de Portugal Festival 2022, diadeportugalca.org/festival/history. Accessed 1 Jan. 2022.



Location: Kelley Park, 1300 Senter Rd, San Jose, CA 95112, USA

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