Lisbon, Portugal – The streets of Lisbon were filled with military vehicles and red carnations, commemorating the pivotal army coup that brought democracy to Portugal half a century ago. Tens of thousands of people gathered in downtown Lisbon to celebrate the Carnation Revolution, marking the end of a repressive dictatorship established by Antonio Salazar. This historical event also set the stage for Portugal’s entry into the European Union in 1986.
During the turbulent times in Portugal, Western capitals felt uneasy as the Portuguese Communist Party seemed poised to seize power. However, moderate parties emerged victorious through democratic means. President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa and Prime Minister Luis Montenegro led a parade featuring troops, armored vehicles, and onlookers holding red carnations, the symbolic flower of the revolution. Demonstrating a sense of duty fulfilled, participants reflected on the significance of the revolution in securing freedom and democracy for future generations.
Red carnations, once used to adorn gun barrels during the uprising, were prominently displayed in stores and on the streets, evoking memories of the historical event. Participants like Paulo Simões and Maria Monteiro shared emotional experiences tied to the freedom they fought for and the importance of safeguarding it. In a reenactment of the uprising, troops and armored vehicles moved through downtown squares, recreating pivotal moments from the past.
Soldiers recreated the convergence on a paramilitary garrison in Largo do Carmo, where Marcelo Caetano, the Portuguese leader, surrendered to the jubilant crowd. The annual march along Avenida da Liberdade drew thousands of people, marking the enduring legacy of the Carnation Revolution. This movement, sparked by frustration over colonial wars in Africa, effectively ended the dictatorship within 24 hours with minimal casualties.
Antonio Salazar’s lengthy rule, marked by resistance to change and colonial conflicts, eventually gave way to a new era of democracy in Portugal. The parallel between Salazar’s regime and General Francisco Franco’s rule in Spain offers a glimpse into a shared history of authoritarianism in the Iberian Peninsula. As Portugal commemorates the 50th anniversary of the Carnation Revolution, reflections on the past serve as a reminder of the ongoing efforts to uphold democratic values and preserve the hard-won freedom of the nation.