On the 25th of April, I walk down Avenida da Liberdade, as I always do.
If you’re a foreigner, you might be wondering why. Let me explain—with a tear in my eye 😊.
April 25th marks Revolution Day in Portugal. It was on the evening of April 24th, 1974, that the revolution began. Portugal rose from the grip of a dictatorship that had lasted 41 years. The people joined the military, and together they carried out what is considered one of the most peaceful—and, if I may say so, most beautiful—revolutions in history.
The first signal to begin the revolution was a song: “E Depois do Adeus”, which played on the radio at 10:55 p.m. on April 24th, 1974. That was the cue for the military to launch a carefully planned operation that had been years in the making.
By the next morning, soldiers were in the streets—and they felt the overwhelming support of the people. It became clear there would be no need for violence or bloodshed. That decision was a wise one, and it is why Portugal is known for having carried out a revolution without violence or loss of life.
Carnations Revolution
Carnations became the symbol of our revolution because of a simple, powerful gesture. On April 25th, a soldier asked a woman on the street for a cigarette. She didn’t have one—she worked at a restaurant that was closed that day, and instead, she had taken home leftover carnations that were bought to celebrate the first year of the restaurant.
Her name was Celeste Caeiro, and instead of a cigarette, she offered the soldier a carnation. And another. And another, until she had no more. Other florists followed her example, handing out carnations to soldiers across the city. Soon, Lisbon was awash in red, and the Carnation Revolution had found its name.
As a woman who believes deeply in freedom and equality, April 25th is a milestone I celebrate with heartfelt devotion.
It’s an emotional day—a powerful reminder that, before the revolution, women in Portugal couldn’t vote, hold certain professions, travel abroad, or even open a bank account without their husband’s permission. We also couldn’t work without their consent.
April 25th marks not just the end of a dictatorship, but the beginning of dignity, autonomy, and equal rights for women like me—and for generations to come.
So, as we say in Portugal.
25 de Abril, sempre!
25th of April, forever!
