The “Carnation Revolution” (in Portuguese, Revolução dos Cravos), also commonly referred to as “April 25” (25 de Abril), was a military coup on April 25, 1974, which ended 48 years of authoritarian government.

The revolution initiated the transition to democracy in Portugal and the end of the Colonial War in Africa. It also marked the beginning to major economic and social improvements in Portuguese society, including free elections, freedom of speech and the end of political censorship and persecution.

As the revolution was unfolding, citizens took to the streets to celebrate the end of the dictatorship. The events in Lisbon were famously captured by 20-year-old photographer Alfredo Cunha, some of whose pictures are displayed in the banner above.

In Portugal, April 25 is an important national holiday known as "Freedom Day" (Dia da Liberdade).

Professor Patrick Rebuschat, director of Lancaster’s Camões Institute Chair (Cátedra), said: “In a recent survey on the most important events in Portuguese history, the Carnation Revolution came first, with 65% of the votes. And this year, the traditional anniversary march down Lisbon’s Avenida da Liberdade was attended by hundreds of thousands of citizens. Both illustrate the special place the Portuguese reserve in their hearts and minds for the Carnation Revolution.”

The Carnation Revolution got its name because Celeste Caeiro, a restaurant worker, offered a carnation to a soldier. The soldier placed the carnation in the barrel of his rifle, and the gesture was repeated by other soldiers throughout the day. Carnations became the symbol of the April 25 revolution and are worn widely during the annual commemorations.

You can learn more about the Carnation Revolution and the ongoing celebrations by visiting the following website: https://50anos25abril.pt/

Lancaster has historic ties to Portugal. To learn more, please visit the webpage of Lancaster' Camões Institute Chair (Cátedra) for Multilingualism and Diversity or email catedra-camoes@lancaster.ac.uk.