Camões Day in Goa: Legacy and Commemoration

Abstract

This paper critically explores the legacy of Luís de Camões in postcolonial Goa, focusing on how his memory is commemorated in contemporary cultural practices. Through an analysis of posters and publicity materials associated with Dia de Camões (Camões Day) events in recent years, the study examines the activities organised by institutions such as Camões–Centro de Língua Portuguesa (CLP-Camões), the Consulate-General of Portugal and Fundação Oriente in Goa. These commemorations, held annually around June 10 – the Day of Portugal, Camões, and Portuguese Communities – offer insight into the evolving role of Camões as a literary and cultural symbol. Marking twenty-five years since the establishment of CLP-Camões in Goa, this study, conducted in 2025, considers how Camões’ legacy is being reinterpreted in a region with deep historical ties to Portuguese colonialism.