The extended official celebrations of the Day of Portugal, Camões and Portuguese Communities return to Portugal today, to Peso da Régua in the Douro Valley, in the north of the country, after a decentralised commemoration with Portuguese communities in South Africa that was attended by both the country’s president, prime minister and various ministers and heads of the military. According to the published programme, there was a military ceremony of the raising of the national flag in the square of the municipality early this morning, but President Marcelo, the prime minister et al are only due to arrive at the end of the afternoon/ early evening. It is still a little unclear why this year had to celebrate Portugal, Camões and Portuguese Communities Day for a whole week – but the last few days have seen a number of key bilaterial agreements signed with authorities in South Africa.
