Freedom Day (Portugal) 2023: The 25th of April is Freedom Day in Portugal to commemorate the Carnation Revolution that took place in the country. The day commemorates the commencement of a bloodless coup that ended the country’s dictatorship and inaugurated democracy in Portugal. It is a national holiday and a day of tremendous celebration throughout the nation. Portuguese nationalists paint the streets with the colours of Portugal’s flag, and demonstrations are scheduled across the nation to educate the younger generations about the history of Portugal’s struggle for independence.
HISTORY OF FREEDOM DAY (PORTUGAL)
On April 25, Portugal celebrates its independence anniversary. Nationwide, the day is observed with parades, demonstrations, and patriotic celebrations. After decades of ruthless dictatorship characterised by repression, discrimination, and censorship, the Portuguese army allied with rebel groups and overthrew the government.
Portugal’s fight for independence began in the middle of the twentieth century. In the late 1960s, Portugal’s residents were burdened by numerous problems. Portugal’s military expansion necessitated the recruitment of soldiers, which led to the massive illegal departure of young men from the nation. The revolution gained momentum after the populace learned of the inflated military budget. Consequently, a strong desire arose to end Portugal’s expansion and colonial initiatives, which were draining the nation’s resources.
The army’s top brass decided to overthrow the government. The coup began on April 24, 1974 when the Portuguese song “E depois do adeus” by Paulo de Carvalho was played during primetime, alerting the revolutionaries to begin the coup. This was followed by an airing of “Grandola vila morena,” a tune that radio stations at the time had banned. In an unexpected turn of events, the presidential palace’s official guards surrendered their firearms and joined forces with the rebels.
In 1974, nearly fifty years of dictatorship came to an end. Despite instructions for civilians to remain at home, thousands of loyal Portuguese flooded the streets to support the military insurgency. People gathered in front of the presidential palace stuffed carnations from the local market into the muzzles of their weapons, hence the day’s other name, the Carnation Revolution.
HOW TO CELEBRATE LIBERTY DAY (PORTUGAL)
Grow carnations in your garden
The carnations are lovely vibrant pink flowers that make a charming bouquet for a celebration. They are also significant in Portugal’s history. To commemorate the anniversary of the Carnation Revolution, incorporate carnations into your garden.
Master the ‘fado’
Fado is a genre of Portuguese music that emphasises the concept that one cannot escape his or her destiny. The tunes and lyrics of “Fado” songs are melancholy and invoke resignation and loss. Learn a few ‘fado’ songs to get a feel for this Portuguese musical genre.
Feast on traditional delicacies
In Portugal, monks and nuns prepare traditional desserts including ‘pasteis de nata,’ ‘papu-de-anjo,’ ‘pasteis de Belém,’ and ‘ovos moles.’ No celebration or funeral would be complete without these. Some of them may be difficult to bake, but they are the ideal way to commemorate Portugal’s National Day of Independence.
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5 ENCHANTING FACTS ABOUT THE PORTUGUESE
The Portuguese adore sport
The Portuguese adore football, and Cristiano Ronaldo, a renowned player, is their greatest export.
An old metropolis with a youthful spirit.
Lisbon has been inhabited for nearly 3,000 years, before the establishment of Portugal’s national borders.
Europe’s longest dictatorship
Portugal endured Europe’s longest authoritarian regime, which lasted nearly six decades.
Port wine and espresso
The Portuguese export the most port wine and consume the most bite-sized expressos in the world.
It is an ideal location for a vacation.
Portugal is one of the most popular vacation destinations, ranking among the top 20 most-visited nations in the globe.
WHY DAY OF INDEPENDENCE (PORTUGAL) IS IMPORTANT
It is a pivotal moment in Portugal’s history.
Despite centuries of documented history preceding the glorious Carnation Revolution, on April 25, 1974, citizens flooded the streets to commemorate the end of 800 years of autocracy. What began in 1143 with the establishment of the regime of King Afonso I concluded with the exchange of pink carnations between civilians and the military.
It honours the Portuguese character
Europe’s history is replete with countless brutal conflicts. The nonviolent coup led by elite military members who shifted sides in favour of the nation distinguishes Portugal’s struggle for independence. The Carnation Revolution is a symbol of the Portuguese character and a constant source of inspiration for dissidents around the world.
Portugal is still in development.
Portugal, one of the last countries in Europe to achieve complete independence, continues to face innovative challenges that are unfamiliar to its neighbours. Nonetheless, the Portuguese have demonstrated their bravery and support for a just and democratic political system that values religious liberty and freedom of expression.
FREEDOM DAY (PORTUGAL) DATES
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | April 25 | Tuesday |
| 2024 | April 25 | Thursday |
| 2025 | April 25 | Friday |
| 2026 | April 25 | Saturday |
| 2027 | April 25 | Sunday |
