Portugal Commemorates 50th Anniversary of Carnation Revolution

Portugal marked the 50th anniversary of the Carnation Revolution on April 25, 2024, with tens of thousands taking to the streets of Lisbon to celebrate the peaceful military coup that ended nearly five decades of authoritarian rule. The revolution, symbolized by red carnations placed in soldiers’ gun barrels, restored democracy and enabled Portugal’s later entry into the European Union. President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa and Prime Minister Luis Montenegro led the commemorations, which included re-enactments and public displays of national pride. While widely hailed as a triumph of democracy and freedom, some perspectives question whether the subsequent decades have fulfilled the revolution’s promises, suggesting that post-revolution Portugal experienced periods of stagnation and loss of national confidence. Despite these debates, the revolution remains a pivotal moment in Portuguese history, celebrated for its nonviolent character and enduring legacy of democratic values.