If there are stories that are worth telling about, a revolution ruled by songs and flowers is, undoubtedly, one of them. It is a story of oppressed people who reacted and protested against a dictatorial regime that lasted 48 years.

44 years ago the Portuguese revolution of the 25th of April marked the beginning of the political and social freedom of expression of the Portuguese people. The fall of the restricted regime was a historical landmark triggered by military commanded by Otelo Saraiva de Carvalho. They used the radio transmission of two songs as passwords that would trigger the revolution: “E Depois do Adeus”, by Paulo Carvalho and “Grândola Vila Morena” by Zeca Afonso. “Grândola Vila Morena” marked the Portuguese Freedom Day, not only because it was a password to confirm the advance of the revolutionary movement, but also because of its revolutionary and protestant nature.

As a form of thanks, the Portuguese people in Lisbon offered red carnations to the soldiers who put them in the muzzles of their rifles. The desire for democracy of the Portuguese population was translated by this flower that is now a symbol of the Carnation Revolution.

Today we speak of a military coup that instead of violence used music. With pride, we speak of a non-violent revolution, but a decisive one for the definition of the Portuguese people. For this reason, Mar d’Estórias celebrates the importance of this day for Portugal, as well as highlights the relevance of revolutionary music and its impact on oppressed society.

Songs of intervention and protest are available and can be heard today at Mar d’Estórias.