Freedom Day In Portugal
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Portugal is renowned for being a peaceful country – according to last year’s Global Peace Index it comes in as the third most peaceful country in the world.
This Saturday, 25th April, Portugal will commemorate the 46th anniversary of what is still known as the “Carnation Revolution” or “Freedom Day” – a bloodless military coup which saw Portugal’s dictatorship being overthrown. The coup, which began in Lisbon brought democracy and civil liberties to the Portuguese people and the withdrawal of Portugal from its African colonies.
The revolution was undertaken by young army officers who took less than 24 hours to bring down Europe’s longest dictatorship - nearly five decades from 1926 to 1974. The military forces quickly overwhelmed the government, sparking spontaneous demonstrations in the street where civilians ran out to mingle with the soldiers, despite being ordered to stay inside.
At the time, seasonal carnations were being sold everywhere in Lisbon’s famous central flower market and many of the jubilant crowds put them into the soldier’s gun barrels, inspiring the name “Carnation Revolution” to describe this virtually bloodless uprising. Many said the atmosphere was more like a party – and the Portuguese people are still immensely proud of how this day transformed society.
Freedom Day – “Dia da Liberdade” as it is known and the peaceful revolution is remembered in more than 1,150 streets, avenues and plazas which are all called “25 de Abril” and the former Salazar Bridge which crosses the river Tejo in Lisbon, renamed “Ponte 25 de Abril”.
Now more than ever, we are all looking forward to our own ‘freedom day’ – remember Portugal #cantskiphope and start dreaming… Contact us - email: info@portugalproperty.com or call us on +351 308 800 878 or 0800 014 8201 free from the UK.
Published in: Guide to Portugal / News and Updates / Portuguese Life / Property for sale in Portugal / Site News