Portugal’s Carnation Revolution

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BBC Radio 4 - Portugal’s Carnation Revolution

Journalist, and former Channel 4 news presenter Jon Snow, remembers Portugal's 1974 revolution, which he covered as a young man.

25th April 2024 marks the 50th anniversary of Portugal's 'Carnation Revolution', which overthrew the authoritarian dictatorship of the Estado Novo ('New State') which had governed Portugal since the 1920s. A largely bloodless revolution, marked by the carnations that were placed in the rifles of the soldiers, it led to the successful establishment of democracy in Portugal and the integration of more than half-a-million 'retornados' - returnees - Portuguese citizens from its former African colonies.

Portugal's revolution was indeed televised, and recorded in sound. One of those who bore witness to its aftermath was journalist, and former Channel 4 news presenter Jon Snow, who reported from Portugal at the time for LBC Radio. At this important anniversary, he remembers his time there, and tells the story of what unfolded, through archive and interviews with those who organised and lived through those heady days of April 1974. 

Presenter: Jon Snow
Producer: Michael Rossi

With thanks to RTP (Rádio e Televisão de Portugal) and LBC for archive.

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