Freedom Day

Freedom Day Facts & Quotes

• In the 15th and 16th centuries, Portugal was one of the most powerful nations in the world. It had significant wealth and status and even colonized Brazil. It was not until an earthquake in Lisbon in 1755 and French occupation during the Napoleonic wars that Portugal began to fall on hard times.
• 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.
• Portugal was one of the original member states of the Eurozone in 1999. It replaced its home currency, the Portuguese Escudo, with the Euro.
• 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.
• The world will not accept dictatorship or domination. – Mikhail Gorbachev, The 8th, and last leader of the Soviet Union.

In the News and Trending for Freedom Day

Freedom Day Top Events and Things to Do

• Visit the 25 de Abril Bridge (25 April Bridge). The bridge was originally built in the 1960s and named in honour of the last Portuguese monarch, but after the 1974 revolution, it was renamed to commemorate the day.
• Watch a movie about Portugal and celebrate its rich and storied history. Some of our favourites are: Capitães de Abril (2000), Lisbon Story (1994), and Amália (2008).
• Visit the Mosteiro dos Jeronimos in Lisbon, Portugal. It is steeped in history and was built in the 15th century. It features a grand, gothic style monastery and is considered one of Portugal’s greatest historical figures.
• 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.

Freedom Day References and Related Sites