April 25, 2025: Celebrate 50 years of Freedom in Style!
- Patrícia Rosas
- 18 de abr.
- 6 min de leitura
Today I bring a tip that is not only unmissable - it's historic! In 2025, we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the first free elections in Portugal, one of the most symbolic milestones of the Carnation Revolution. And I guarantee: Lisbon will be full of incredible, exciting and educational events for all ages and tastes.
But before we leave for programming, let me tell you a little about why this year is so special.
📜 A milestone in our history
April 25, 1974 overthrew the dictatorship and returned something precious to the Portuguese people: freedom. The following year, in 1975, the first free elections in the history of the country took place - with a massive participation of almost 92% of the electorate! It was an unforgettable moment, where more than 5.7 million Portuguese went to the polls to choose the representatives of the new Constituent Assembly.
This year, the April 25, 2025 Celebrations focus precisely on this: remembering the strength of the vote, democracy, and the collective will to change the country. And Lisbon will be the scene of exhibitions, shows, colloquia and initiatives that will thrill even those who think that politics is a boring subject.
1. Exhibition "There will be elections. 50 years of the elections for the Constituent Assembly"
Have you ever imagined reliving the path of democratic transition? Because that's exactly what this exhibition promises!
If you want to feel what it was like to live that time of democratic turn, this exhibition is a mandatory trip. Curated by Pedro Magalhães and Catarina Vasconcelos, it mixes art, historical documents and unpublished testimonies.
📍 Where: Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation
📅 When: April 22 to October 22, 2025
⏰ Time: 10am to 6pm
Collective listening session: "... And we have the people..."
In the middle of the Carmo Ruins, you can hear the past. This radio project brings together original recordings of the Revolution, with testimonies from journalists such as Pedro Laranjeira and Adelino Gomes. It's chilling to listen to those voices full of emotion and realise that History was happening live.
📍 Where: Carmo Archeological Museum
📅 When: April 24 and 25
Exhibition "Mário Soares. What Revolution?"
If you like to immerse yourself in political history, this exhibition is for you!
When? From January 1 to December 31, 2025.
Schedule: During the Foundation's regular opening hours - it's worth taking a look to confirm the details.
Where? At the Mário Soares and Maria Barroso Foundation, in Lisbon.
Curiosity: Mário Soares was one of the great protagonists of the Carnation Revolution, and this exhibition shows, with a narrative full of images and reports, the impact of his legacy.
More information: Check the foundation's official website or programming updates.
Exhibition "The Architects of Freedom"
An inspiring look at female participation in the construction of democracy:
When? The inauguration is scheduled for September 2025 (wait for confirmation of the exact dates).
Schedule: The schedules will be released soon on the official website.
Where? At the Aljube Museum, in Lisbon.
Curiosity: This show highlights the fundamental role of women in the struggle for freedom and social justice - an innovative perspective that is very necessary to understand the entire revolutionary context.
More information: 50anos25abril.pt
Radio Project "...And we have people..."
For lovers of stories that excite:
When? On April 24 and 25, 2025.
Schedule: Collective listening sessions that last several hours - specific times are disclosed on the website.
Where? At the Carmo Archeological Museum, in Lisbon.
Curiosity: This project rescues the original report recorded in 1974 by journalists Pedro Laranjeira, Paulo Coelho and Adelino Gomes. Listening to these reels is like travelling in time and feeling the emotion of the Carnation Revolution happen before your ears!
More information: 50anos25abril.pt
Educational Campaign #TensPoder
This one is especially for the youngest. The #TensPoder campaign will occupy schools, social networks and public spaces with activities that show the importance of civic participation. There will be debates, games, interactive content and much more.
When? In April and in the weeks following the celebration.
Where? In several educational spaces and also online.
Curiosity: The #TensPoder campaign encourages young people to know the importance of civic participation and voting. After all, understanding history is building the future - and there is a lot of interactive activity and digital content to help with that!
More information: Check out the details at 50anos25abril.pt
Presentation of the Hymn "The Government of the People"
To close with a golden key, a revolutionary anthem that will unite hearts:
When? Scheduled for April 25, 2025 - pay attention to the confirmation of times and locations.
Where? In places linked to official events, where the celebration takes place.
Curiosity: The anthem, created by young people from the Skoola school, reflects the democratic spirit and the hope of a better future. A true sound celebration that will touch everyone's soul.
More information: Be sure to follow the updates in 50anos25abril.pt
Guided tour "April 25: Places and Memories"
Have you ever imagined walking through the places where the story took place? On April 16, at 3 pm, leaves Largo do Carmo for a journey full of memory and emotion. You will know the backstage of the revolution where it really unfolded. More information: https://amigosdoscastelos.pt
Concert "The Cellos of Zeca Afonso"
On April 18, at 7 pm, at the Camões Auditorium, tribute is paid to one of the greatest musical symbols of the revolution: Zeca Afonso. The concert will thrill anyone who has ever got goosebumps when listening to "Grândola, Vila Morena". More information: https://ardina.news
Concert "April 25, 50 Years"
On April 19, at 9 pm, the Lisbon Metropolitan Orchestra will occupy the National Society of Fine Arts for a musical journey to the revolutionary spirit. Unmissable! More information: https://ardina.news
Exhibition "There will be elections. 50 years of the elections for the Constituent Assembly"
This exhibition opens on April 22, at the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, and will be there until October 22. A true journey to the birth of Portuguese democracy, curated by Pedro Magalhães and Catarina Vasconcelos. It really makes you want to go back in time! More information: https://50anos25abril.pt
Night of Censored Books
On April 24, at 6 pm, the ESELx Library promotes a reading session of those works that the regime tried to hide. Because reading is also resisting. More information: https://www.eselx.ipl.pt
Videomapping Show and Concert "An Idea for the Future"
At Terreiro do Paço, on April 24, from 10 pm, there will be music, lights, fireworks and even drones! A visual and sound show that promises to thrill all those present. More information: https://www.visitlisboa.com
Collective Listening Session "...And we have people..."
On April 24 and 25, at the Carmo Archeological Museum, listen to original recordings made during the revolution by journalists such as Adelino Gomes. An exciting way to "hear" freedom born. More information: https://50anos25abril.pt
Santa Casa Jazz Fest
From April 24 to 28, at the Convent of São Pedro de Alcântara, jazz occupies Lisbon. A festival with a free soul, like the revolution itself. More information: https://scml.pt
Military Parade and Historical Reconstitutions
On April 25, the Terreiro do Paço becomes a stage of celebration with a military parade, historical stagings and tributes to the protagonists of the revolution. A real journey in time. More information: https://www.visitlisboa.com
Presentation of the Hymn "The Government of the People"
Created by students of the Skoola school, this hymn will be officially presented on April 25. A celebration that unites generations around freedom.
✨ Other dates to keep an eye on
In addition to April 25, this year also marks:
50 years of independence from countries such as Mozambique, Angola and Cape Verde
The anniversary of the Press Law, approved in February 1975
The debate on March 11 and November 25, tense and decisive moments in the direction of Portuguese democracy
In other words, we are celebrating Portugal and the Portuguese-speaking world in celebration!
A Little History and Curiosities of April 25
Did you know that the elections for the Constituent Assembly, held shortly after the Carnation Revolution, were one of the most remarkable moments in Portuguese history? It was in this process that the foundations of our current democracy were laid!
The mobilisation and massive participation of this period not only reflected a deep desire for change, but also demonstrated the strength of the Portuguese people in seeking a just and egalitarian future. Therefore, each event of this celebration brings not only exhibitions and colloquia, but a real journey through the paths that brought us here.
If you value history, culture and the freedom that April 25 represents, this year is unmissable! Between exhibitions, listening sessions and educational initiatives, there is something special for each of us. Don't miss this opportunity to celebrate and remember moments that changed Portugal's trajectory forever.
Share this tip with the crowd, tag your friends and come celebrate democracy next to all of us. Long live April 25 and long live freedom!
📍 Final tip of Lisbon Tips
If you are in Lisbon in April, mark at least one of these events on the agenda. And even if you don't live here, there's a way to come! It will be a unique opportunity to live the history of Portugal live, with emotion, music, art and a lot of learning.
Para ver a programação completa e confirmar horários e locais, acede ao site oficial
Long live April 25th! Long live Freedom!
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