By Anna Popper
On a warm evening on 5 June, guests gathered under the open sky of the Ambassador’s Residence Garden in Budapest to celebrate the Day of Portugal, Camões, and the Portuguese Communities (Dia de Portugal, de Camões e das Comunidades Portuguesas). The lush greenery, dotted with blooming flowers, offered a serene and welcoming backdrop.
The Ambassador’s loyal German Shepherds watched the arriving guests with calm curiosity, as if they were part of the welcoming committee as well. It was a scene of rare charm and familiarity – an atmosphere seldom achieved at National Day celebrations.
His Excellency Jorge Roza de Oliveira, Ambassador of Portugal to Hungary, and his wife, Vera Vasconcelos Abreu, received their guests with warm hospitality. Among those present were members of the diplomatic corps, Hungarian officials, and representatives from cultural, business, and academic circles, all brought together in a spirit of friendship and mutual respect.
Standing in the shade of an old tree, the Ambassador – flanked by his gracious, smiling wife, who had clearly overseen every detail of the evening – opened the formal proceedings. As conversations among guests gave way to attentive silence, Ambassador Jorge Roza de Oliveira took the microphone with a wry smile, immediately setting a relaxed and convivial tone, and delivered his address:
“Dear Hungary, Dear Colleagues, Dear Friends,
so, we are gathered here today to celebrate Portugal’s victory against Germany last night in Munich… (referring to UEFA Nations League 2025, where Portugal beat the hosts 2-1 in the first semi-final, on 4 June at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany).
I had to start with a silly joke to soften this challenge I face, addressing an audience of excellent orators. Such as the Apostolic Nuncio, our Dean, or the Irish Ambassador, to name just two. I am thus aware of my limitations and shall keep this short.
My first words are to thank my staff: Katalin, Renata, Zsófi, Krisztina, Aida, Sonia, Dóri. All women, certainly one reason why things always work so well.
My deputy, Eduardo; our trade offices with Joaquim and Zsolt; our cultural institute with João and Erich; and Danny, my driver. And thank you Vera, for everything in our lives and for putting this up today.
Our national day is actually on 10 June. I am non-resident Ambassador in Sarajevo (Bosnia and Herzegovina), and we shall be there next week, also for a concert by a Bosnian fado singer.
So we celebrate it today in Budapest, without obstructing the long weekend that I hope awaits you all.
10 June is the Day of Portugal, Camões and the Portuguese Communities.
Luis Vaz de Camões, our greatest poet of the 16th century, passed away on this day. Different times, different ambitions. But we celebrate a poet who crossed the world, experienced war, exile, and disgrace, and wrote the epic of modern man, with all the contradictions we still experience today.
But Portugal already felt itself part of Europe. Camões’ epic poem ‘The Lusiads’ begins with a voyage ‘from the western Lusitanian beach through seas never sailed before’. Europe was the starting point for Portugal’s historic mission.
40 years ago, on 12 June 1985, I was present at the Jerónimos Monastery in Lisbon for the signing of Portugal’s accession to the then European Economic Community. I was a junior diplomat at the time and can’t remember exactly what I dreamed of for Europe. But it probably wasn’t what we are living today.
Last year – and the year before that – I mentioned here, in so many words, the difficulty of looking toward the future with optimism, although that should normally be the attitude of a diplomat. Much has changed in the last year, and some things have worsened.
The world, and Europe in particular, seems more complicated than ever. Wars, death, and destruction are still at our doorsteps. Social disruption is all over. Expectations have not been met. And European voters – including those in my country – are reacting.
So there really is no reason for enthusiastic celebration. Predictions usually all miss their mark, but making positive ones is, anyway, becoming harder each day.
Let me look then at a brighter side of the coin: our relations with Hungary. From Lisbon to Budapest, two cities with river and bridges (twin cities since 1992), we are bound by a common spirit: cherishing the past while striving for a better future. The presence of the Portuguese community in Hungary – the third honouree on our national day, and thus a second moment later this afternoon for them – and the warm hospitality of their Hungarian hosts are testaments to the strength of these bonds. It is not a large community, it spans different generations and diverse reasons for settling in Hungary. But it is a vibrant, well-integrated community, a large number married to Hungarians. Like me, they feel privileged to live in this country.
Our appreciation also to the Hungarian authorities for their consistently good cooperation and support. In this context, our belated congratulations on the Hungarian Presidency of the Council of the EU, which will not be forgotten.
Finally, we want to thank everyone for your warmth and friendship all through this year. As you heard at the beginning, we are a small team. We are all used to grander events, I know. This one is almost a family affair. Welcome to our family, and enjoy the afternoon, our Portuguese hospitality and our wines and food.
In the background we have two guitarists: a Hungarian, Peltzer Ferenc and a Portuguese, Carlos Martins. Do enjoy!”
“Viva Portugal! Éljen Magyarország! Long Live Portugal and Hungary!”
With that, the heartfelt and subtly humorous words of Ambassador Jorge Roza de Oliveira, who serves his homeland with dedication and high professionalism, sparked warm applause.
The evening unfolded gently, as melodies from the guitarists drifted through the air, setting the perfect soundtrack to the convivial atmosphere.
Guests savoured the specialties of Portuguese cuisine – most notably Bacalhau, the national cod dish – accompanied by a generous selection of fine wines that complemented the gastronomic experience.
As dusk fell over the garden, new invitees arrived – members of the Portuguese community living and working in Hungary – adding another vibrant layer to the celebration. It became clear that this gathering was not merely a commemoration of a national day, but a heartfelt expression of connection, tradition, and shared joy – precisely the kind of friendship and warm hospitality for which Portugal is known. In this meaningful moment, the timeless words of Luís de Camões echoed softly through the evening: “Oh, glorious peoples, exalted by the stars, Your deeds will live through all time’s changing tides.”
Portugal Day 2025 was more than just a commemoration of the 500th anniversary of Camões’ death and the 40th anniversary of Portugal’s accession to the European Union. It was a heartfelt reminder that cultural identity, diplomacy, and human connection continue to shape the vibrant tapestry of our shared European story.
“Portugal was building bridges between cultures long before globalization existed” – as European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen aptly put it.
This year’s official celebration in Lisbon took place in the historic Jerónimos Monastery – the very site where Portugal’s EU accession was signed four decades ago.
Source: Embassy of Portugal in Budapest
Photos by the Embassy of Portugal in Budapest and DPA
