On April 25, Portugal celebrates the 50th anniversary of the country's transition from dictatorship to democracy. An event that will also be celebrated in Lourdes.
Lourdes has been a multicultural city for many years and the Portuguese community has settled permanently there for decades.
This is one of the reasons that prompted the municipality to celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of the Carnation Revolution, but it is not the only reason, as Thierry Lafitte, the city’s mayor, explains: “I am passionate about political history, especially about political history.” Different dictatorships I remember April 25, 1974 because my father used to interest me, so I know the names of Spinola, Maya and Mario Soares very well. For all these many years under the Salazar regime, this revolution happened smoothly and gently, even if there were four dead from the bullets of PIDE, the political police of that time.
In this inexhaustible story, the elected official delved into the stages that led to April 25, 1974: “This revolution is unique and wonderful, carried out by young captains, soldiers who put themselves at the service of the people, alongside the nation.” “It's very inspiring, and it was for all the other people who lived under the dictatorship.”
Film and Portuguese aperitif
A tribute that owes nothing to chance which will take place on Thursday, April 25, from 6 p.m., at which time those interested will be able to enjoy the broadcast of the wonderful film by Maria de Medeiros, entitled “Captains of April” at the Palace of Congress. A screening followed by a festive appetizer of food. Portuguese.
A man to whom all Lourdes, whatever their nationality, are invited to have the opportunity to discover the amazing story of a people who often dreamed of democracy. Everyone can come armed with a red carnation, the symbol of this unconventional revolution.
It is also a powerful moment that reminds us of the fragility of stability in the world, at a time when people are victims of war: “We must always draw inspiration from what happened, from this example of struggle in the hope of seeing a better future.” At a time when the world is experiencing great instability, it seemed important for us to commemorate the Ukrainian people being attacked so close to our homeland, and this is the opportunity to highlight, and a strong signal to, all of us who want to live in a democracy.
An appointment not to be missed, next April 25 in Lourdes to discover the detailed history of a revolution that lasted less than a day and changed the lives of millions of people, even those who chose the path of exile to escape poverty and oppression. A large number of them were welcomed into France, and Lourdes was also, quite logically, a welcoming ground for a community permanently established there.
The honoring ceremony will begin at six in the evening at the Conference Palace.
