Freedom Day

Freedom Day 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 News and Trending in Portugal for Freedom Day

Freedom Day Top 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.