Liberty Day 2008
Today marks the 34th anniversary of the Portuguese Carnation Revolution, where we became free of our dictator. As always, there are big parties going on, and I just came from one, the first of this special day, began exactly at midnight.
I almost didn’t make it. I was supposed to go with some friends, but ended up going with my mother. Don’t ask me how that happened, it just did.
When we got there, there were people everywhere. By the river specially, from where the fireworks get fired up. You couldn’t get anywhere near it. So we waited in a big park nearby to watch the show.
Near that park, there was a stage put up for the event, where loud speakers playing typical songs of the 25th of April Revolution were. The most famous ones got everyone singing along, which was really beautiful and warm. It was special.
And the fireworks, those were wonderfully synchronized with the musics that were playing. It’s the first time they’ve done it too, at least since I can remember. And it turned out great. The blasts and the explosions of color were almost perfectly synchronized with the different rhythms of the songs.
I loved one special detail in particular. When Grândola Vila Morena was playing, the song that started the Revolution itself, all the fireworks launched were red, like the carnations used to replace the weapons. That was the one people sang along more as well. Did I mention it was special? It really was. (listen in boomp3.com)
The whole event was extremely innovative and creative, and it turned out perfect. To think I almost missed it.
Happy Liberty Day!
Is there a nobler aspiration that the desire to be free? It is by his freedom that a man knows himself, by his sovereignty over his own life that a man measures himself. To violate that freedom, to flout that sovereignty, is to deny man the right to live his life, to take responsibility for himself with dignity. [...] To strip man of his freedom is not to believe in man.
Elie Wiesel, From the Kingdom of Memory
Hey there – I just discovered your blog on accident. This post, however, moved me to comment. As an American, I (and most of my fellow students) learned very little about any of the other revolutions across the world, except maybe the French and Russian revolutions – but that is only because they had such a sweeping international impact. It wasn’t until I began my university education that I learned anything about Portugal outside of its colonial exploits of several hundred years ago. Specifically, as I studied international relations of the 20th century and the Cold War, I came into contact with the Salazar and Caetano dictatorships, especially in relation to the remaining Portuguese colonies in Africa. After all, they were the last major colonies to be freed in Africa.
What I hadn’t really known was that the revolution that overthrew Caetano, freed the colonies and established a democracy had been a result of a bloodless coup by idealistic military officers. All the details about this revolution, including the Carnations, are so positive – it gives me hope for this world where all one really hears about are the most violent and brutal revolutions that bring nothing but suffering for their people. While I’m delighted to see that it’s celebrated (and rightly so) in Portugal, it’s unfortunate that most people here in the United States don’t know about it. It’s a shining example.
now that i look at my comment a few hours later, it seems extremely patronizing. i certainly hope it didn’t come off that way. also, you have an excellent command of english
Being 19 and in University now as well, I’ve started to learn about things that I had no idea had happened too, and important things at that. So you’re really not alone there.
The fact that it was a (nearly) bloodless thing is what makes it really special, I believe. And you’re right, it should be an example and happen more often. Maybe the world will learn with time? I’d like to think so, at least.
I didn’t take it as patronizing at all, it’s okay. And thank you!
[...] Last year’s was just amazing for me. The music, the fireworks, the awesome synchronization between the two, everyone singing along. Just a great feeling overall. [...]