Portugal Republic Day 2023: Date, History, Facts about Portugal

Every year on October 5, Portugal celebrates Republic Day, also known as “Implantation of the Republic” in Portugal. This significant date commemorates the overthrow of the House of Braganca in 1910. In a bloodless revolution, the monarchy, which had been in power since the 11th century, was supplanted by a republican form of government. It also granted civil and religious freedoms. Schools, state institutions, and some restaurants are closed due to the holiday. Republic Day, like other Portuguese public holidays, is not moved to a weekday if it occurs on a weekend.

The background of Portugal Republic Day

Republic Day in Portugal commemorates the overthrow of the centuries-old Portuguese monarchy and the founding of the First Portuguese Republic. It resulted from a coup headed by the “Portuguese Republican Party.”

By 1910, the Portuguese Kingdom was in the midst of a crisis caused by the 1890 British Ultimatum which demanded the withdrawal of Portuguese military forces from the territory between the colonies of Angola and Mozambique, the royal family’s expenses, the assassination of the King and his heir, shifting religious and social views, instability of political parties, Joao Franco’s dictatorship, and the regime’s inability to maintain order. This national fury helped Republican Party supporters capitalize on the situation. The party deftly portrayed itself as the sole entity capable of restoring the nation to its former glory and furthering its development.

The military was unwilling to combat the nearly 2,000 soldiers and sailors who rebelled between October 3 and 4, so the Republic was declared the following day from the Lisbon City Hall. The country was led by a provisional government led by Teófilo Braga until the Constitution was approved, which marked the commencement of the First Republic. Changes were made to national symbols such as the national anthem and the flag, as well as to civil and religious liberties.

The deposed King Manuel II left Ericeira and spent the remainder of his life in exile.

As most European states were monarchies at the time, Portugal was concerned about being recognized by other nations. However, through the Foreign Minister’s deft diplomacy, the country was soon officially recognized by the United Kingdom, France, China, Spain, Italy, and Russia, among others.

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5 facts about Portugal that will astound you

It has been continuously inhabited by Celts, Carthaginians, and Romans, to mention a few, since prehistoric times.

Additionally, it has a low crime rate, a high standard of living, and a high life expectancy.

Portugal and England inked the “Treaty of Windsor” in 1386, which is likely the longest-lasting alliance among modern nations.

In 1755, a magnitude 8.5 to 9.0 earthquake struck Lisbon, causing extensive fire and a massive tsunami that nearly obliterated the city.

Since 1846, when life imprisonment was abolished, no one has been executed for a crime.

PORTUGAL REPUBLIC DAY DATES