On Thursday, Portugal commemorated the 50th anniversary of the Carnation Revolution, a military coup that brought democracy to the country after decades of dictatorship. Thousands gathered in Lisbon's streets and squares, witnessing reenactments of the key moments of the uprising.
**1.** Half a century ago, Portugal embarked on a momentous journey towards democracy with the Carnation Revolution. On April 25, 1974, military officers staged a coup that overthrew the four-decade-old dictatorship of Antonio Salazar and Marcelo Caetano.
**2.** The revolution, known for its peaceful nature and the use of red carnations as a symbol, marked a pivotal moment in Portugal's history. Tens of thousands of people poured into the streets, celebrating the end of the oppressive regime.
**3.** On Thursday, Portugal commemorated the golden jubilee of this historic event with grand celebrations in Lisbon. Military vehicles and red carnations adorned the streets, reenacting the dramatic moments of the uprising.
**4.** President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa and Prime Minister Luís Montenegro presided over the vibrant parade, which featured troops, armored vehicles, and onlookers waving red carnations. The symbol of the revolution was omnipresent, evoking the spirit of the day.
**5.** In the spring of 1974, red carnations proliferated in Portuguese stores and street stalls. People ingeniously attached them to the gun barrels of the insurrectionists, symbolizing the non-violent nature of the coup.
**6.** Paulo Simões, a participant in the uprising, expressed his profound sense of accomplishment. "I have a sense of duty fulfilled," he said, emphasizing the importance of instilling the values of freedom and democracy in future generations.
**7.** Maria Monteiro, whose husband was a soldier involved in the uprising, shared her deep emotions. "I feel immensely emotional for the freedom that we conquered," she said, stressing the need to safeguard these freedoms diligently.
**8.** Throughout the day, troops reenacted the movement of armored vehicles and soldiers into downtown squares, replicating the key moments of the uprising. They converged on Largo do Carmo, where Marcello Caetano surrendered to the insurrectionists.
**9.** The afternoon march along Avenida da Liberdade drew tens of thousands of people, commemorating the triumph of the Carnation Revolution. This thoroughfare, aptly named "Freedom Avenue," became a symbol of the democratic transition.
**10.** The Carnation Revolution stemmed from simmering discontent with Portugal's prolonged colonial wars in Africa. Junior officers revolted against the dictatorship, achieving victory in just 24 hours with minimal bloodshed.
**11.** Salazar, the architect of the dictatorship, who ruled from 1933 until his death in 1970, clung tenaciously to Portugal's African colonies despite the changing global landscape. He resisted modernizing the country, leading to widespread frustration and isolation.
**12.** Portugal's Carnation Revolution resonates deeply with its citizens today, serving as a reminder of the fragility of democracy and the importance of preserving freedoms. The anniversary celebrations not only commemorate the past but also inspire future generations to embrace democratic principles.
