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a view of a city from the top of a building

Event

Freedom Day (Dia da Liberdade)

April 25 commemorates the 1974 Carnation Revolution that ended Portugal's dictatorship. It is a national public holiday with civic ceremonies, a parade down Lisbon's Avenida da Liberdade and the laying of red carnations.

Photo by Ana Rita F. on Unsplash
Confirmed edition

At a glance

Dates
April 25, 2027
Where
Nationwide
Price
Free
Source check
Verified June 20, 2026
Review by
February 24, 2027

What to expect

  • Marks the end of the Estado Novo dictatorship in 1974
  • Avenida da Liberdade march and red-carnation symbolism in Lisbon
  • Special session of the Assembly of the Republic
Aerial view of terracotta rooftops in Lisbon
the Lisbon backdrop around this event.Photo: Steve Matthews / Unsplash

Planning tips

  • Public offices and most shops close; transport runs a Sunday timetable
  • Watch the civic march along Avenida da Liberdade in central Lisbon
  • A popular long-weekend ('ponte') when April 25 falls near a weekend
A yellow tram on a Lisbon street
Lisbon to explore around the event.Photo: Alai Photography / Unsplash

Build a day around it

  • 2–3 hours: arrive early, event, short neighborhood loop.
  • Full day: one walk/attraction + event + calm dinner.
  • Rainy backup: keep one indoor stop in mind.

Before you go

  • Confirm details — check the official link for last-minute changes.
  • Arrive with buffer — 15–30 minutes early makes everything calmer.
  • Weather plan — one indoor warm stop in case the day turns.