On April 25, 1974, Portugal left behind 48 years of dictatorship. The popular revolution that ended the regime became internationally known as the Carnation Revolution. On April 24, 2026, on the eve of the day celebrating the revolution, the For The People Foundation, together with the Esquerda-Lab association, organized the Arraial dos Cravos (Carnation Festival). The event took place in Lisbon at Largo do Carmo, a symbolic square of the revolution. This celebration of democracy was the first event in which the For The People Foundation introduced itself publicly in Portugal, celebrating one of the most fundamental European values: democracy.
Running from 6:00 PM to midnight, the event featured speeches from guest speakers: Beatriz Realinho, a pro-democracy activist representing Esquerda.Lab and For The People, spoke about democracy in Portugal and Europe and introduced the new foundation. Luís Farinha, a historian and Chairman of the Advisory Board of the Aljube Museum – Resistance and Freedom, spoke about the significance of the April 25 revolution. The event also featured several musical performances and the participation of grassroots and community organizations that set up stands. The event was hosted by influencer Gonçalo Filipe, who was invited for the occasion.
Throughout the duration of the festival, several thousand people, especially youth, gathered at Largo do Carmo in Lisbon. The event concluded at midnight when the thousands in attendance sang Grândola, Vila Morena, a song by José Afonso that was used as a signal for the revolution (this closing moment of the festival can be seen in a post by the Expresso newspaper: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DXiZDimAqxa/).
Lineup
DJ Fella Ayala, Aniana, Copo3, DJ Manifiesta, Largo de Cumbia, Colombina Clandestina, Coro da Achada, Puta da Silva, DJ Kactos.
Speeches
- Luís Farinha and Beatriz Realinho
- Several associations, civil society organizations, and artisans were also present.