Portuguese take to the streets to celebrate

Lisbon — Thousands of Portuguese took to the streets this Thursday to celebrate April 25th, the day of the Carnation Revolution, which returned democracy to Portugal. It was exactly 50 years ago that the country got rid of the longest dictatorship in Europe — 48 years. This year’s celebration gained greater importance due to the strong growth of the extreme right, which, in last March’s elections, won 50 deputies in the Assembly of the Republic, quadrupling in size and consolidating itself as the third political force. It is no coincidence that the cry against fascism has been the most heard among the crowd.

For Sônia Monteiro, 54 years old, a healthcare worker, it is necessary to face anti-democratic movements, which put freedoms at risk. “The growth of the far right is chilling,” she said. For her, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Carnation Revolution is a way of paying homage to her ancestors, who fought for the return of freedom. “Many died so that we could be here today,” she highlighted. “We must always fight to preserve democracy”, she added.

Maria Natália Morais, 82 years old, Idima Morais, 74, Khloe Silva, 4
Vicente Nunes/CB/DA Press
Thousands of Portuguese took to the streets this Thursday to celebrate April 25th, the day of the Carnation Revolution
Vicente Nunes/CB/DA Press
Thousands of Portuguese took to the streets this Thursday to celebrate April 25th, the day of the Carnation Revolution
Vicente Nunes/CB/DA Press
Thousands of Portuguese took to the streets this Thursday to celebrate April 25th, the day of the Carnation Revolution
Vicente Nunes/CB/DA Press
Carlos Lopes, 63 years old, retired
Vicente Nunes/CB/DA Press

Retired Carlos Lopes, 63, pointed out that the victory over fascism that reigned during António Salazar’s dictatorship was a gain that must be preserved at all costs. “We know what that period was like. Therefore we have to fight against all movements that try to attack democracy”, he stressed. He recognized, however, that it is important to advance on points such as housing, as there is a lack of decent housing in Portugal, in health and in job creation. All of this, according to him, will only be possible in a democratic and free regime.

Sisters Maria Natalia Morais, 82, and Idima Morais, 74, know very well what the Salazar dictatorship was like. “I experienced that, and it was terrible,” said Natalia. “Although many things are bad today, it is a thousand times better than 50 years ago. I don’t want the dictatorship to ever return”, added Idima. They guaranteed that, as long as they can, they will always celebrate the achievement of democracy on April 25th.