Portugal’s Restoration of Independence Day

Published on 26th November, 2025

Every year on December 1st, Portugal celebrates the Restoration of Independence Day - a moment steeped in pride and history. This national holiday commemorates the day Portugal regained its sovereignty after sixty years of Spanish rule, from 1580 to 1640. It is a vibrant reminder of the resilience, identity, and unbreakable spirit of the Portuguese people.

For hundreds of years, Portugal had kept its independence until in 1580 it fell under Spanish control after the Portuguese king died without an heir. King Filipe II of Spain was one of the contenders for the crown, and he possessed the military strength to ensure his claim was successful over his rivals.

For 60 years, Portugal was under Spanish control. However, when taxes on Portuguese merchant ships were raised, there was an attempt to integrate Portugal as a region of Spain rather than maintain it as a separate possession. This led to a decline in the influence of the Portuguese nobility in both Madrid and Portugal. As tensions escalated, a revolution began to brew. Although there had been some earlier revolts, the uprising that marked the beginning of the Portuguese Restoration War - initially referred to as the Acclamation War - started on December 1, 1640.

The war lasted for 28 years, from 1640 to the recognition of Portugal’s independence by Spain in 1668. There were only five major battles throughout the 28 years. It was mostly small skirmishes and raids, especially of towns near the Spanish and Portuguese borders. The English and Dutch also helped Portugal during the conflict, as it suited their interests to weaken their common enemy, Spain.

What began with the Portuguese Revolution of 1640 ended with the Treaty of Lisbon in 1668, bringing a formal end to the Iberian Union.  The Portuguese monarchy was restored, and a new ruling dynasty, the House of Bragança, was founded.

Nowadays, the Portuguese people celebrate with patriotic events like flag-raising ceremonies, parades, and concerts, with official commemorations taking place in Lisbon at Praça dos Restauradores. 

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Published in: Guide to Portugal / Miscellaneous / Portuguese Life