Carnation Revolution – 50 years since April 25: Honoring the Past, Envisioning the Future

These days we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the April 25 Revolution in Portugal known as the Carnation Revolution, named after the red carnations that the population placed in the barrels of the insurgent soldiers’ guns on this day. This peaceful uprising not only reshaped the political landscape of Portugal but also served as a beacon of hope and inspiration for nonviolent change worldwide. We’re proud and happy to live in this country with our growing Healing Biotope, a community model for a peace culture. And continue to draw inspiration from the Carnation Revolution and its values. Thank you for hosting our project and vision for peace.

By Fátima Teixeira, Rui Braga & Uri Ayalon, April 25 2024

Fifty years ago, on April 25 1974, the people of Portugal demonstrated that it is possible to end oppression not through violent confrontation but through courage, vision, and solidarity. The military-led movement, supported by the population, brought down the fascist dictatorship of the “Estado Novo,” which had existed since 1933, with almost no shots fired. Decolonization was one of the key decisions of the new government. Portugal’s colonial wars came to an end and the former Portuguese colonies of Angola, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, Mozambique and São Tomé and Príncipe gained their independence. The new democratic government released the political prisoners, prohibited censorship and guaranteed free speech, free press and religious freedom.
The revolution has shown that change is possible when hearts and minds are aligned in a common goal of freedom and dignity for all.

50 years after the April Revolution, we’re concerned by the rise of nationalist, xenophobic and racist powers in Portugal and many other countries, accompanied by historical revisionism, bigotry and draconian immigration policies in connection with aggressive agro-industry.

We will have a reflective celebration, not only to honor those who paved the way for democracy in Portugal but also to ignite a global revolution of peace and healing that is desperately needed in today’s world. We are grateful for all stepping out of systems of oppression and fear – toward building a culture of peace, where the seeds of revolution can flourish into lasting system change.

In Tamera we will celebrate 50 years of the Carnation Revolution with Alfredo José Vieira, a member of the board of the 25th of April Association, who will share his personal story as a soldier in the Portuguese army in the dramatic days of overcoming the dictatorship and giving birth to democracy. On 16th of May (Thursday), at 20h, Tamera’s culture center.