Today’s Google Doodle pays tribute to Slovenia’s National Day, also known as Dan državnosti. This day marks the anniversary of Slovenia’s declaration of independence from foreign rule on June 25, 1991, solidifying its status as a free nation. The roots of Slovenian independence can be traced back to 1987 when intellectuals in the Nova Revija magazine advocated for separation from Yugoslavia. This ignited a significant democratic movement spearheaded by the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights, fueling Slovenian nationalism across the country. In December 1990, a referendum on independence garnered an overwhelming 94.8% support, paving the way for the declaration of independence. On this day, the Slovenian national flag, a tricolour of white, blue, and red, takes center stage at Ljubljana Castle, the symbolic location of the independence declaration. The flag represents a unified Slovenia, while the country’s coat of arms reflects its rich landscapes. The national holiday is celebrated with joyous gatherings in the capital, providing an opportunity for many to engage in outdoor activities like hiking or enjoying the seaside.
Google Doodle also honored Portugal Day, known as Dia de Portugal, or de Camões e das Comunidades Portuguesas in Portuguese, on June 10. This national holiday commemorates the legendary poet Luis de Camões, whose 1572 poem, Os Lusíadas (The Lusiads), is considered Portugal’s national epic. The poem extols the country’s culture, discoveries, and explorations, notably mentioning Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama’s discovery of a sea route to India. Written in ottava rima, the poem spans ten cantos with a total of 1,102 stanzas. Every year, people in Portugal celebrate their shared culture and history on this day. Unlike other nations, the celebration of this day isn’t confined to the capital city. Instead, the central location of the festivities varies annually, with the president choosing the city for the official celebrations. This year, festivities will be held in Pedrógão Grande, Figueiró dos Vinhos, Castanheira de Pera, Leiria, and Coimbra.
