Marcelo and Montenegro jet off to Germany for a weekend festivity marking Portugal Day.
President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa Jet-Sets to Germany for Portugal Day Celebrations
Next weekend, Portugal's Head of State, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, is heading to Germany, skipping the usual June 10 celebrations in Macau due to political turbulence back home.
In Stuttgart on Saturday, the President will commemorate Portugal Day, Camões Day, and Portuguese Communities Day. On Sunday, he'll head to Munich, where he'll also attend the UEFA Nations League final between Portugal and Spain.
It seems the initial plan for Macau celebrations has taken a backseat, postponed until later this year, owing to Portugal's recent political chaos and the formation of a new government.
Algarve Celebrations on June 10
However, the President decided to spend his last Portugal Day as head of state in Lagos, Algarve, extending the celebrations to Portuguese communities in Macau. Lídia Jorge, renowned author, will lead the organizing committee for the Lagos festivities, accompanied by other officials like General José Nunes da Fonseca and Ana Cristina Batista.
The city of Lagos will once again become the venue for Portugal Day celebrations, revisiting its historic significance 29 years after it was graced by then-President Jorge Sampaio in 1996.
A World of Portugal Days
The current model of dual celebrations on June 10, both in Portugal and among Portuguese communities abroad, was initiated by Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa in 2016. Working in harmony with Prime Minister António Costa, the President showcased Portugal Day both in Lisbon and Paris, Porto and Brazil, Azores and the USA, Portalegre and Cabo Verde, Braga and the UK, and Peso da Régua, Vila Real district, and South Africa.
Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic required a change in plans for 2020 and 2021, resulting in domestic celebrations in Lisbon and Madeira, respectively. However, the spirit of global camaraderie remains alive in the heart of the President, with future plans to further this tradition.
In the upcoming years, celebrations will embark on new horizons with Prime Minister Luís Montenegro at the helm instead of Antonio Costa. Economic powerhouse Switzerland and the fire-stricken municipalities of Pedrogao Grande, Figueiro dos Vinhos, and Castanheira de Pera in Leiria are some of the potential locations for future Portugal Day celebrations.
Stay tuned as the President's vibrant schedule continues to evolve with the ongoing political changes in Portugal.
Despite the postponement of the Macau celebrations due to domestic political turmoil, the President's focus on Portuguese communities remains unwavering, as he plans to celebrate Portugal Day in Lagos, Algarve, alongside known figures like Lídia Jorge.
In the face of changing political landscapes, the tradition of extending Portugal Day celebrations to Portuguese communities abroad will persist, with potential destinations including Switzerland and fire-stricken Portuguese municipalities like Pedrogao Grande, Figueiro dos Vinhos, and Castanheira de Pera.
