Members of the Portuguese community celebrated Friday evening their National Day with traditional music and food at their ambassador's residence in Jakarta.

"We have 500 years of cultural contacts with Indonesia. For today's event, we have specially invited a band from Tugu village, where Portuguese culture is still visible in the music and dances of Tugu, to perform here," Portuguese Ambassador Carlos Manuel Leitao Frota said at the reception.

The band from Tugu village in Jakarta entertained the audience with their lovely Portuguese and Indonesian songs.

Many senior officials, including the Foreign Ministry director for west European affairs, Dewa Made J. Sastrawan, public figures, businesspeople, members of the Portuguese community and the diplomatic corps attended the colorful reception.

It was not just about food, but more about drinks.

"We are introducing some of our fine wines to guests. We would like to promote our wine in Indonesia," Ambassador Frota said.

Portugal's National Day fell on June 10, but it was celebrated this Friday due to technical reasons.

Portuguese National Day is also known as the Day of Camoes and the Portuguese Communities. Camoes, who died on June 10, 1580, was a great Portuguese poet. He wrote the Lusiads, an epic poem depicting Portugal's history and its achievements.

After reestablishing their diplomatic ties 10 years ago, both Portugal and Indonesia are making sincere efforts to make their new friendship long-lasting.

The JaKarta Post, aqui, acedido em 02 de Julho de 2009.