☕ A Quick Read: Portugal’s Freedom Day – April 25

Every year on April 25, Portugal celebrates Freedom Day (Dia da Liberdade), one of the most important dates in the country’s modern history. It marks the peaceful Carnation Revolution of 1974, which ended decades of dictatorship and opened the door to democracy.

🌸 What happened?

On the morning of April 25, 1974, a group of young military officers—part of the Armed Forces Movement (MFA)—carried out a nearly bloodless coup against the authoritarian regime of Estado Novo, led by António de Oliveira Salazar (and later Marcelo Caetano).

The symbol of this revolution? Red carnations. Civilians handed them to soldiers, and they placed them in their gun barrels. Not a single shot was fired.

🗳️ Why does it matter?

The revolution led to:

• The end of censorship

• The release of political prisoners

• The right to vote in free elections

• Decolonization of Portuguese colonies in Africa

  
  

In short, it gave the Portuguese people back their freedom of speech, democracy, and civil rights.

🎉 How is it celebrated?

Today, Freedom Day is a national public holiday. People take part in:

• Parades and commemorations, especially in Lisbon

• Live music and cultural events

• Speeches from political figures

• And many simply enjoy a day off to reflect or relax

  
  

Red carnations are still widely worn or displayed.

Fun Fact: The famous revolutionary song “Grândola, Vila Morena” by Zeca Afonso was broadcast on the radio as a secret signal to start the uprising.

It’s more than just a day off—it’s a reminder of how powerful peaceful resistance can be.