Portugal Freedom Day

Portugal Freedom Day is an annual national public holiday that commemorates the significant events of April 25, 1974. On this day, a peaceful military coup, known as the Carnation Revolution, overthrew the authoritarian regime that had ruled Portugal for nearly five decades. This historic event marked the beginning of the Portuguese transition to democracy and brought an end to the oppressive regime of Estado Novo. Additionally, the Carnation Revolution led to the resolution of the Portuguese Colonial War, which had been ongoing in Portugal’s African colonies of Angola, Guinea-Bissau, and Mozambique. Freedom Day serves as a reminder of the triumph of democracy, freedom, and human rights over dictatorship and oppression. It is celebrated with various events, including parades, concerts, and cultural activities, to honor the bravery and sacrifices of those who fought for a better and more democratic Portugal.