The Order of Camões (or Ordem de Camões in Portuguese) is a distinguished Portuguese order of knighthood, originally established in 1985 and fully integrated into the Portuguese honors system on 30 June 2021.
Named in honor of Luís de Camões, Portugal’s national poet, this order celebrates significant contributions to the Portuguese language and its international promotion, as well as the strengthening of cultural relations among Portuguese-speaking communities.
Membership in the Order is conferred by the President of Portugal, either on their initiative, upon the recommendation of Ministers, or following a nomination by the Council of the Order.
The Order of Camões Grades
The Order of Camões is composed of several classes, listed in descending order of seniority:
Grand Collar (Grande-Colar – GColCa)
Grand Cross (Grã-Cruz – GCCa)
Grand Officer (Grande-Oficial – GOCa)
Commander (Comendador – ComCa)
Officer (Oficial – OCa)
Knight/Dame (Cavaleiro – CvCa / Dama – DmCa)
Additionally, the title of Honorary Member (Membro Honorário – MHCa) can be awarded to institutions and localities without specifying a grade. The Grand Collar is a special distinction reserved exclusively for heads of state.
The Order of Camões Design
The insignia of the Order of Camões reflects its dedication to the promotion of Portuguese culture and language.
The badge features elements that symbolize literary excellence and cultural heritage, often incorporating imagery related to Luís de Camões and his contributions to Portuguese literature. The design includes a distinctive cross or emblem, which varies in complexity and decoration according to the class of the order.
For the higher classes, such as the Grand Collar and Grand Cross, the insignia is more elaborate, often featuring intricate designs and additional symbols that highlight the esteemed nature of these awards.
The ribbon associated with the Order is typically adorned in colors and patterns that reflect the cultural and historical significance of Luís de Camões and the values the Order stands for.
