On 25 April 2024, Portugal will commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Carnation Revolution, a historic event that marked the end of the Salazarist dictatorship - in power since 1933 - and the beginning of a new era of democracy.
On this day in 1974, a group of left-wing soldiers known as the Armed Forces Movement (MFA) overthrew the authoritarian regime of Marcelo Caetano, successor toAntónio de Oliveira Salazar. The coup, which took place without major violence, was supported by the population, who took to the streets to celebrate their new-found freedom.
The Revolution owes its name to the red carnation that MFA soldiers wore in their buttonholes and in the barrel of their rifles as a rallying cry.
The 'Revolução dos Cravos', also known as the '25 de Abril', became a symbol of freedom and hope for Portugal and the whole world. It inspired other democratic movements in Europe and Latin America.
Every year, 25 April is a public holiday in Portugal. Ceremonies and festivities are organised throughout the country to commemorate this important event. Concerts, shows and exhibitions are held, and speeches are made by politicians and figures from civil society.
🗓 Among the commemorations taking place in Lisbon in 2024 are the following:
23 March-26 May: Free exhibition 'Os 10 Dias que Abalaram Portugal' (The 10 Days that Shook Portugal), Mercado do Forno do Tijolo, Arroios, Lisbon
3-5 April: Festival Política, debates, concerts, Cinéma São Jorge, Lisboa
17 April: 'Santos Debates' on the theme 'For a universal history of 25 April 1974. Commemoration of the fiftieth anniversary of the Carnation Revolution - French and Portuguese perspectives' , French Embassy, Lisbon (register here)
24 April, 10pm: Concert on the Terreiro do Paço square, Lisbon
25 April (10am-6pm ): Open doors at Lisbon Town Hall (Paços do Concelho)
Visit the Lisbon City Council (CML) website and the information channels in your place of residence for a detailed programme of events.
📱 As you walk around Lisbon, you're sure to come across the commemorative plaques that are part of the 'Lugares de Abril' (Places of April) project. These 25 plaques (equipped with a QR Code for a detailed description) identify the places associated with the actions of the Armed Forces Movement on 25 April 1974. This initiative is the result of a partnership between the 25 de Abril Association and Lisbon City Council. You can follow the itinerary of the 25 commemorative plaques scattered around the city here.
