Portugal Marks 50th Anniversary of Carnation Revolution

On April 25, 2024, Portugal commemorated the 50th anniversary of the Carnation Revolution, which ended the Estado Novo dictatorship and ushered in democracy. The revolution began as a military coup on April 25, 1974, with the aim of overthrowing the authoritarian regime that had ruled Portugal for over four decades under the leadership of António de Oliveira Salazar.

The coup quickly turned into a popular revolution, with thousands of Portuguese citizens taking to the streets in support of the military insurgents. The iconic image of civilians and soldiers placing carnations in the muzzles of their guns became a symbol of the revolution, earning it the name 'Carnation Revolution'. The largely bloodless uprising resulted in only four deaths.

The revolution paved the way for the establishment of democracy in Portugal. The 25th of April is now a national holiday, during which people commemorate the enduring value of democracy, civil liberties, and the courage of those who stood up against oppression. The president of the Lisbon Municipal Assembly (AML) stated in a solemn session attended by municipal deputies from various political parties that democracy is going through a challenging period, emphasizing the need to reaffirm the values of April 25th.

Why this matters: The Carnation Revolution not only transformed Portugal but also had profound effects on its African colonies. Lisbon's withdrawal and granting of independence to Angola and Mozambique led to bloody civil wars whose effects are still felt today. The revolution was the first domino to fall in the process that ended settler rule and apartheid in southern Africa, making it a significant event in world history.

The mayor of Lisbon, Carlos Moedas, stressed that freedom must be permanently protected and that the future involves a policy made for the people, with the people, and listening to the people. Deputies expressed confidence in democracy despite the current crises, with the CDS-PP party proposing to also commemorate November 25, 1975, which served to defend and consolidate April 25, 1974, as the founding date of freedom and democracy in Portugal.

The revolution was sparked by a simple gesture from Celeste Caeiro, a 40-year-old woman who offered a carnation to a soldier on top of a car during the uprising. This act of kindness, witnessed by a photographer, became a lasting symbol of the revolution. Celeste, now 90 years old, remains emotional when recounting that fateful day and the impact of her small act on the course of Portuguese history. "It was a work of fate," her granddaughter Carolina said of Celeste's gesture that gave the revolution its name.

Key Takeaways

• Portugal commemorated 50th anniversary of Carnation Revolution on April 25, 2024.
• Carnation Revolution ended Estado Novo dictatorship and ushered in democracy in 1974.
• Revolution had profound effects on Portugal's African colonies, leading to civil wars.
• Carnation Revolution was sparked by a woman offering a carnation to a soldier.
• Carnation Revolution is celebrated as the founding date of freedom and democracy in Portugal.