Freedom Day

Freedom Day (PRT) History

Freedom Day in Portugal commemorates the 1974 Carnation Revolution that officially ended almost five decades of dictatorship in Portugal, the longest dictatorship in Europe. Between 1932 and 1974, dictators Antonio de Oliveira Salazar and Marcelo Caetano ruled Portugal until the Carnation Revolution. The revolution gave rise to democracy in the nation, a government type which it continues to enjoy today. The day also commemorates the four people who were killed during the collapsing regime’s secret police. Portugal’s Freedom Day is celebrated on 25 April, the day that marks the start of the Lisbon revolution in 1974. Freedom Day, also known as the Carnation Revolution, is symbolised by abundant carnation flowers inside of gun barrels.

Top facts about Freedom Day

• Portugal was ruled by the Portuguese monarchy before a revolution in 1910. The House of Braganza was the final family to have ruled before it was overthrown and later replaced by repressive dictatorships.
• Prior to the revolution, dictator Antonio de Oliveira ruled over Portugal for three and half decades before passing the torch to his successor Marcelo Caetano for nearly another decade before the Carnation Revolution.
• In the 15th and 16th centuries, Portugal was one of the most powerful nations in the world. It had significant wealth and status and even colonized Brazil. It was not until an earthquake in Lisbon in 1755 and French occupation during the Napoleonic wars that Portugal began to fall on hard times.
• Portugal was one of the original member states of the Eurozone in 1999. It replaced its home currency, the Portuguese Escudo, with the Euro.
• The world will not accept dictatorship or domination. – Mikhail Gorbachev, The 8th, and last leader of the Soviet Union.

In the News and Trending in the EU for Freedom Day

Freedom Day Top Events and Things to Do

• Learn more about dictatorship regimes in Portugal and neighbouring European countries. Try reading up on the regimes of Napoleon, Hitler, Stalin, Franco, Tito, Salazar and Mussolini.
• Spread awareness on social media by using the hashtag #PortugalFreedomDay, #CarnationRevolution and #DemocracyForPortugal.
• Visit the 25 de Abril Bridge (25 April Bridge). The bridge was originally built in the 1960s and named in honour of the last Portuguese monarch, but after the 1974 revolution, it was renamed to commemorate the day.
• Watch a movie about Portugal and celebrate its rich and storied history. Some of our favourites are: Capitães de Abril (2000), Lisbon Story (1994), and Amália (2008).
• If you live in an area with a Portuguese community, reach out and connect with them to celebrate Freedom Day together. They may organize special events, gatherings, or performances that you can participate in.