The Portuguese Embassy in Ethiopia recently hosted a commemorative event celebrating the 500th anniversary of Luís de Camões, Portugal’s most renowned poet, while simultaneously highlighting the enduring historical ties between Portugal and Ethiopia. The occasion brought together diplomats, literary enthusiasts, and scholars to reflect on Camões’ literary legacy and the centuries-old relationship between the two nations.
Ambassador Luísa Fragoso opened the event by emphasizing the significance of Camões’ works in shaping Portuguese culture and identity. She described him as a monumental figure in European literature whose influence transcends borders. “Luís de Camões is not only Portugal’s greatest heroic lyricist but also a symbol of our cultural heritage. His work *Os Lusíadas* remains a testament to the soul of Portugal,” she remarked.
Guest speaker Luísa Mellid-Monteiro, a journalist, literary critic, and author of the book ‘Luís de Camões’, provided an in-depth exploration of the poet’s life and contributions. Mellid-Monteiro compared Camões’ mastery of verse to literary giants such as Shakespeare, Milton, Homer, Virgil, and Dante. She explained how his poetry elevated the Portuguese language to new heights, earning it the nickname “the language of Camões.”
Born in 1524 or 1525, Camões is best known for his epic poem *Os Lusíadas*, which recounts Vasco da Gama’s historic voyage to India. The poem blends historical events with mythological elements, celebrating Portugal’s maritime achievements during the Age of Exploration. Mellid-Monteiro traced Camões’ life journey—from his Galician roots to his military service in Ceuta (where he lost his right eye)—and his adventurous travels across Africa and Asia. Despite enduring personal hardships such as poverty and imprisonment, Camões remained devoted to his poetry and country.
The event also served as a platform to celebrate 500 years of diplomatic relations between Portugal and Ethiopia. Ambassador Fragoso highlighted the historical significance of this relationship, which dates back to the early 16th century when Portuguese explorers first established contact with Ethiopia. “We are celebrating not only Camões but also our deep-rooted ties with Ethiopia that span half a millennium,” she said.
Fragoso announced plans for an upcoming celebration featuring a book that explores the historical connections between Portugal and Ethiopia during this period. She underscored the importance of fostering cultural exchanges between the two nations while reflecting on their shared history.
Ambassador Fragoso also spoke about the growing influence of Portuguese worldwide, particularly in Africa. With an estimated 290 million speakers globally, Portuguese is one of the fastest-growing languages today. “Our engagement with Africa is especially significant as we witness rapid growth in Portuguese-speaking communities across the continent,” she noted.
Mellid-Monteiro delved into the literary significance of *Os Lusíadas*, describing its narrative style and historical context as pivotal in shaping Portugal’s national identity. Unlike many epics focused on conquest, *Os Lusíadas* celebrates exploration and discovery—a theme that resonates deeply with Portugal’s maritime history.
She emphasized how literature like Camões’ work serves as a bridge between cultures: “The power of Os Lusíadas lies not just in its poetic brilliance but in its ability to inspire pride in exploration while fostering connections across continents.”
The event concluded with reflections on how literature can unite cultures and celebrate shared histories. By honoring Luís de Camões and commemorating five centuries of Ethiopian-Portuguese ties, the celebration underscored the enduring power of storytelling to transcend boundaries.
