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Mainstream conceptions of the “authentic” or “real” Portugal are now so naturalized in national discourse that many of the socio-historical contexts of their discursive construction have been erased from people’s collective memory (-ies). This paper presents an overview of the prominent collective narratives and memories in the Portuguese context, highlighting salient historical events that shaped them, such as the 1974 revolution which was a watershed moment from which all current narratives on national identity construct their major reference. It briefly covers 19th century historiography, the Estado Novo’s concept of Portugal’s “mission in the colonies”, the revolution’s ideological break with the old regime, and the major myths of homogeneity and self-stereotyping. Thus, contemporary discourses on Portuguese national identity are considered in the light of social memory and diachronic change.

This article analyses the spread of national identity in Galicia in the context of the forming liberal culture. An historical event is taken as a pretext : the visit of Queen Isabel II to Galicia in September 1858. The study is done through a critical examination of the contemporary sources and the bibliography relating to the nationalization process in Spain and the monarchy’s role in the development and spread of nation-building.The paraphernalia of the performing Monarchy and the use of resources such as history, religion, progress and welfare were evident when implementing the Spanish identity, along with actors and elements of the provincial-regional area that served to represent culturally the national community.

Mainstream conceptions of the "authentic" or "real" Portugal are now so naturalized in national discourse that many of the socio-historical contexts of their discursive construction have been erased from people's collective memory (-ies). This paper presents an overview of the prominent collective narratives and memories in the Portuguese context, highlighting salient historical events that shaped them, such as the 1974 revolution which was a watershed moment from which all current narratives on national identity construct their major reference. It briefly covers 19th century historiography, the Estado Novo's concept of Portugal's "mission in the colonies", the revolution's ideological break with the old regime, and the major myths of homogeneity and self-stereotyping. Thus, contemporary discourses on Portuguese national identity are considered in the light of social memory and diachronic change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]