The sound of Grândola, Vila Morena echoing through the streets. The scent of carnations in the air. Families marching, side by side. 25 de Abril sempre, fascismo nunca mais!

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.

One of our favorite Portuguese words: Liberdade

Every year on April 25th, we remember the non-violent revolution that took place in 1974 and ended a 50-year-long dictatorship. It was a revolution ruled by songs and flowers that brought democracy and civil liberties to the Portuguese people. E Depois do Adeus, by Paulo Carvalho, and Grândola, Vila Morena, by Zeca Afonso, were the two songs used as passwords on the radio transmission.

On that day, instead of using their guns, the Portuguese military placed carnation flowers down the barrels and marched proudly. This flower is now a symbol of the Carnation Revolution and it translates the desire for freedom within each and every one of us.

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.

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.

Here’s our toast to freedom! May we celebrate it together soon!

Cheers!
The Taste Porto Foodie Team