Ricardo Rio, the mayor of Braga, stressed that it is the responsibility of local institutions to create conditions so that “those who still don't know Camilo's work can become aware of the importance of one of the greatest figures in our literature”.
As part of the celebrations for the Bicentenary of Camilo Castelo Branco's birth, today, March 10, the publisher Opera Omnia presented the re-edition of “No Bom Jesus do Monte”. The reissue is part of the Camillian collection, made up of around 12 titles to be published throughout the year.
Ricardo Rio, the mayor of Braga, stressed that it is the responsibility of local institutions to create conditions so that “those who don't yet know Camilo's work can become aware of the importance of one of the greatest figures in our literature”.
“The bicentenary program is wide-ranging and diverse, and we are delighted to see this initiative taking place in one of the most iconic places in our territory, Bom Jesus do Monte, a World Heritage Site. As part of our cultural program, we also have activities planned to pay homage to Camilo Castelo Branco, including by exploring other forms of artistic expression,” he said, also praising the ‘collective effort’ promoted by the CCDR-N at this ‘landmark moment for the whole region’.
May 16th marks exactly 200 years since the birth of Camilo Castelo Branco. A remarkable writer, novelist, chronicler, critic, playwright, historian, poet and translator, he is rightly considered one of the most popular, prominent and prolific writers in Portuguese literature.
Bom Jesus do Monte is a special place in Camilo's life and work. The novelist visited the shrine for the first time at the age of ten. Throughout his life, he made pilgrimages to Bom Jesus time and time again, not only in search of a closer relationship with the sacred, but also for social interaction and contact with nature. Camilo left vast references in his work about his journeys and stays there.
On this occasion, the project to renovate the Camilo Garden was also presented, reinforcing the appreciation of Camilo's heritage. The municipalities of Baião, Cabeceiras de Basto and Maia, as well as the Catholic University, also signed up to the Partnership Network, coordinated by CCDR Norte, to commemorate the bicentenary of the novelist's birth.
