April 25. Porto, Portugal

Posted on April 4, 2025

The sound of Grândola, Vila Morena echoing through the streets. The scent of carnations in the air. Families marching, side by side.

In Portugal, April 25 is Freedom Day (Dia da Liberdade), a national holiday marking the day in 1974 when the country broke free from a 50-year dictatorship, embracing freedom, equality, and fraternity.

Today, we honor the brave individuals who fought for justice and paved the way for a brighter future. Their sacrifices granted us the freedom to make choices — big and small — as we navigate life.

So, today, we don’t just raise a glass. We remember. We honor. And we keep pushing forward.

25 de Abril sempre, fascismo nunca mais!

Liberdade is Portuguese for Freedom (on April 25 and every other day)

The freedom to choose between a fine-dining restaurant or a cozy tavern;
The freedom to add pork to desserts or fruit to salads;
The freedom to explore Lello Bookstore or Poetria Bookstore;
The freedom to cruise along the Douro River or admire its beauty from Miradouro das Virtudes;
The freedom to enjoy grilled chicken (frango de churrasco) after a day at the beach — or sushi instead;
The freedom to sprinkle cinnamon on your custard tart or sip a refreshing limonete with your coffee;
The freedom to decorate your home with Portuguese tiles or furnish it with IKEA;
The freedom to find hidden gems in Porto’s neighborhoods or stick to the touristy spots;
The freedom to savor a glass of port wine or sample a refreshing Portuguese craft beer;
The freedom to swap “v” for “b”;
The freedom to prefer Porto over Lisbon;
The freedom to choose grilled fish over shellfish;
The freedom to choose potatoes over rice. Or ignore the nutritionistas and have both, as tradition dictates;
The freedom to listen to music at Casa da Música or Mirajazz;
The freedom to indulge in a wide variety of Portuguese petiscos.