Carnation Revolution 50 Years

On 25 April 2024, I attended a rally in Porto, Portugal outside a former headquarters of the oppressive Polícia Internacional e de Defesa do Estado -- the 50th anniversary of the Carnation Revolution. The beginning of the military coup in 1974 that became the Carnation Revolution was signaled with the airing of Grândola, Vila Morena, by singer-songwriter José Afonso, at 12:20 a.m. on 25 April 1974. The coup toppled the longest-running fascist dictatorship in Europe. The revolution is named for carnations, in bloom in the flower markets at the time, that the people brought into the streets and gave to the soldiers fomenting the coup. In some ways, it seems to me, this revolution is on-going. Many groups from across the political spectrum took part in this rally and celebration. Young people and students used it as way to press their various demands. People in various trades -- especially teachers -- did the same. Many political parties marched in the parade that followed the rally. But from what I could see, the playing of Grândola, Vila Morena united them all. I am a new-comer to Portugal. I am studying its history and culture and struggling to learn its language -- at age 67. I cannot possibly have all the nuances correct. But it felt important to me to make this video and add it to all the others being published now as a way to celebrate this important event and express my appreciation to the Portuguese for being allowed to make this country my home. Here are the lyrics in Portuguese and in English as translated by DeepL. Notice that DeepL did not translate “vila morena.“ I have seen it, possibly poorly, translated as “dark village.“ It’s clear it references something that I do not yet understand. Grândola, vila morena Terra da fraternidade O povo é quem mais ordena Dentro de ti, ó cidade! Dentro de ti, ó cidade O povo é quem mais ordena Terra da fraternidade Grândola, vila morena! Em cada esquina um amigo Em cada rosto igualdade Grândola, vila morena Terra da fraternidade! Terra da fraternidade Grândola, vila morena Em cada rosto igualdade O povo é quem mais ordena! À sombra duma azinheira Que já não sabia a idade Jurei ter por companheira Grândola a tua vontade! Grândola a tua vontade Jurei ter por companheira À sombra duma azinheira Que já não sabia a idade! Grândola, vila morena Land of fraternity The people are in charge Inside you, O city! Inside you, O city The people are in charge Land of fraternity Grândola, vila morena! On every corner a friend In every face equality Grândola, Vila Morena Land of fraternity! Land of fraternity Grândola, Vila Morena In every face equality The people are in charge! In the shade of a holm oak That no longer knew its age I swore to be your companion Grândola your will! Grândola your will I swore to have you as my companion In the shade of a holm oak Who no longer knew how old she was! #portugal #porto #carnationrevolution #1974 #april1974 #revolution #militarycoup #armedforcesmovement #nonfiction #documentary #documentaryshort #grandolavilamorena #carnations #portugal2024 #eyewitness