In the context of various other national events, which recognise the aggregating importance that authors such as Camilo, Eça de Queirós and Camões have not only in terms of linguistic expression, but also in the formation of personal character and collective national identity, the Faculty of Philosophy and Social Sciences decided, on the initiative of the lecturers of its Degree in Portuguese Studies, to open a competition on the three authors and their literary creations to secondary school students from schools in the northern region. In this first edition, for 2024-2025, 11th and 12th year students from Maximinos (Braga), Padre Benjamim Salgado (Joane), Alcaides de Faria (Barcelos), Martins Sarmento (Guimarães) and Monção Secondary Schools took part.

The event was implemented through three thematic surveys, which could be accessed and answered online, in three sequential thematic sessions (the first on 16 March, on Camilo; the second on 12 April, on Eça de Queirós; and the third on 11 May, on Camões.

Through these surveys, secondary school students were challenged not only to read the works and research the authors, gaining access to plural and scientifically validated knowledge, but also to deepen their understanding of their inter-influences, to reflect on the importance of their legacy in stabilising and spreading the Portuguese language, and to debate their place in Portuguese culture throughout the ages and in our own time.

The qualifying round will take place in person at the Faculty of Philosophy and Social Sciences on Saturday 5 July at 10am. At 11am, the final session will take place at the same venue, with a gala to award diplomas to all the contestants and prizes to the three students who have achieved the best marks in the four qualifying rounds. The prizes, sponsored by Farmácia Narcisa, will recognise the commitment and knowledge shown by the three best competitors, who will also win prizes for their Portuguese language and literature teachers and for the libraries of the respective secondary schools, all of whom are also called upon to encourage research and the interest of their students.