Freedom Day (Portugal) 2023: Date, History, Facts about Portuguese

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.

The background 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.

World Malaria Day 2023: Date, History, How to celebrate Malaria Day

National Telephone Day 2023: Date, History, Activities

5 ENCHANTING FACTS ABOUT THE PORTUGUESE

The Portuguese adore football, and Cristiano Ronaldo, a renowned player, is their greatest export.

Lisbon has been inhabited for nearly 3,000 years, before the establishment of Portugal’s national borders.

Portugal endured Europe’s longest authoritarian regime, which lasted nearly six decades.

The Portuguese export the most port wine and consume the most bite-sized expressos in the world.

Portugal is one of the most popular vacation destinations, ranking among the top 20 most-visited nations in the globe.

FREEDOM DAY (PORTUGAL) DATES