Dia da Liberdade
Freedom Day
Saturday, 25 Apr 2026 · Portugal · Nationwide · Public holiday
Bridge day check
Falls on the weekend, so it costs most people no leave — and in many countries no day is given back.
What the day is for
Marks the Carnation Revolution of 25 April 1974, when a near-bloodless military coup ended forty-eight years of dictatorship and soldiers were handed red carnations in the street. Lisbon holds a parade down Avenida da Liberdade and a ceremonial session in parliament; the song Grândola, Vila Morena, the radio signal for the rising, is sung everywhere.
Do shops and banks close?
Banks, public offices and most shops close. Shopping centres in Lisbon and Porto usually trade, cafés and restaurants certainly do, and museums often run free entry.
Getting around
Sunday timetables on metro, bus and CP trains. Avenida da Liberdade closes for the parade through the morning, and the 25 de Abril bridge gets heavy leisure traffic.
When it falls each year
Floating holidays shift; fixed ones move only in which weekday they land on.
See the full Portugal holiday calendar or count the working days.