Today, the 25th of April, is the Dia da Liberdade, the national celebration of the Carnation Revolution of 1974. A year ago, Aitor Hernandez-Morales wrote a moving history of 20th century Portugal, the events that led to Portugal's Carnation Revolution, and the Revolution itself. It's a fascinating and inspiring story, exceptionally well-written, and the illustrations bring the story to life.
It begins: “Today is the is the 25th of April, anniversary of Portugal’s Carnation Revolution. It’s a good day to remember what it was like to live under four decades of authoritarian rule and to celebrate the people who fought to restore democracy 48 years ago…”
It ends: “So on this 25th of April, say it loud, day it proud ‘25th de abril sempre! Fascismo nunca mais!’ [April 25th always! Fascism never again!]
The last picture is of today’s banner at the website of my Junta de Freguesia (City Hall) in Quarteira. On it are the words of one of Portugal’s most famous poets, Fernando Pessoa:
“Não o prazer, não o gloria, não o poder, a liberdade, unicamente a liberdade.”
[Not pleasure, not glory, not power, freedom, only freedom.]
I’ve included some of the illustrations below. Here is a link to the entire essay:
Today is the 25 of April...
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