(Carnation Revolution). Drama and historical fiction, 2000.

Directed by Maria de Medeiros

SYNOPSIS:
In Portugal, on the night of April 24, 1974, the radio
played a forbidden song “Grâ ndola”. It was the expected
signal for the military group that would change the
country’s destiny. With the voice of the poet José Afonso
as a background, the troops advanced, marching over
Lisbon. In contrast to the tragic attempt of the previous
year, the Carnation Revolution unfolded as a great
adventure, in search of peace and lyricism.

AFTER WATCHING THE FILM, WHICH PORTRAYS A HISTORICAL EVENT IN PORTUGAL,

ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS:

1) What is the event portrayed in the film “Capitã es de Abril”?

2) What are the reasons that led to the event identified in the previous question?

3) Explain, in your own words, what kind of political regime was in effect before April 25.

Before April 25, Segundo República Portuguesa (aka Estado Novo or New State) was in effect, which
was ruled by a dictator named António de Oliveira Salazar for more than 30 years. This political
regime is a corporatist dictatorial government and remains one of Europe’s longest-standing
dictatorships. Though Estado Novo has laid the foundations for political stability and economic
development in Portugal after ending the corruption and turmoil of Primeira República Portuguesa,
since the Second World War, regarding its corporatist economic model plus Salazar’s ultra-
conservative religiosity, authoritarianism and insistence on colonialism, it has slowly begun to
become obsolete, gradually hindering the modernization of the Portuguese society.

4) Which kind of political regime became effective after April 25? Characterize it.

Since the Revolution of the Carnations on April 25, 1974, Portugal has had a democratic republic. the revolution
changed the Portuguese political system from the authoritarian rule to a modern democracy, a parliamentary
republic was established. Portugal has since been governed by a constitutional democracy with a president, a prime
minister, and a parliament elected in multiparty elections.

5) On the night of 24th to 25th of April 1974, two passwords were transmitted via radio, with
which the revolution began. Indicate the name of the second password, the name of the singer
and the radio that broadcasted it.
The name of the radio was called Rá dio Renascença. It broadcast "Grâ ndola, Vila Morena" which is a song by Zeca
Afonso and also is the name of second password.

GELH 1003/001 CONTEMPORARY ARTISTIC EXPRESSIONS IN THE PORTUGUESE-SPEAKING WORLD.

2022, March, Dr. Raquel Abi-Sâmara