Latest news and stories about historical events in Portugal for expats and residents.
In year 711, the Umayyad Caliphate sent a vanguard of 7,000 Muslim troops across the Strait of Gibraltar to establish a bridgehead for the invasion and subjection of the fractured The post Portuguese Magic: From Moors to Monarchs – AD 700 to 1500 appeared first on Portugal Resident.
90 years ago, in 1936, the Mocidade Portuguesa and the Legião Portuguesa were founded. What were these organizations, what were their objectives, and what was their real importance in the dynamics of the Estado Novo?
The 'Europa Viva' segment, broadcast every Saturday on the 'Jornal À Hora de Almoço' on NOW, commemorates Portugal's accession to the European communities. The formal application was signed on 12 June 1975 at the Jerónimos Monastery in Lisbon, followed by the official entry on 1 January 1986.
The city of Guimarães celebrates its historical roots and the founding of Portugal during the annual Afonsina Fair.
A call for Portugal to remember its past and historical context.
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In the autumn of 1940, at the height of the Second World War, Portugal faced the threat of a potential invasion by Franco's Spain. While the two regimes shared ideological similarities, the plan was ultimately thwarted by Hitler, who viewed a conflict in the Iberian Peninsula as strategically disadvantageous to the Axis powers, preferring to keep Portugal neutral for its tungsten supplies and to avoid opening a new military front with the United Kingdom.
On 2 June 1946, a referendum was held in Italy to decide whether the country would remain a monarchy or become a republic. The republic won and the Kingdom of Italy ceased to exist.
On 2 June 1946, a referendum was held in Italy to decide whether the country would remain a monarchy or become a republic. The republic won and the Kingdom of Italy ceased to exist.
A look at how the Portuguese national team, managed by Brazilian coach Otto Glória, achieved their best-ever World Cup finish in 1966.
Italy hosted and won the second World Cup, with Benito Mussolini using the competition for weeks of propaganda. Uruguay was the defending world champion but boycotted in protest.
The 1967 edition of the Volta a Portugal cycling race made history, not only for marking a milestone (the 30th race) but primarily because, for the first time, a foreign rider secured the final victory. The feat was achieved by Belgian Anton Houbrechts of the Flandria team, who completed all stages in 62 hours, 40 minutes, and 14 seconds, covering 2,363 kilometres across Portugal. The final stage concluded at the Alvalade Stadium, serving as a moment of consecration for Jorge Corvo, who was retiring from the sport. The DN report highlighted the camaraderie of rival teams who helped Corvo win the final stage, as well as a memorable moment where artist Natalina José kissed the overall winner, Houbrechts, on the cheek.
For two years, this duopoly dominated Portuguese politics. While Carmona was President, Cordes as the Finance Minister provided the impetus behind the new regime. He tried simultaneously to stimulate the The post The Military Dictatorship appeared first on Portugal Resident.
I have previously highlighted that the total withdrawal of the Portuguese Army from the former colony of Guinea in October 1974 led to the simultaneous departure of doctors, nurses, and health technicians, as they were incorporated alongside the remaining troops. Most were militia members fulfilling mandatory military service. As had always been the case, they provided clinical assistance not only to the Portuguese soldiers stationed there but also to civilians, including the Guinean populations in rural areas. Without doctors, the new PAIGC rulers had to solve the problem as an absolute priority. Naturally, the few doctors trained during the struggle were appointed to high positions in the Public Administration, specifically as directors-general. It was therefore necessary to mobilize foreigners and organize the health system at a national level. To this end, State Commissioner João da Costa planned the placement of different contingents of aid workers in distinct locations. The capital received Cuban aid workers, sent by decision of Fidel Castro immediately after independence. A large number of doctors of all specialties began ensuring the operation of the main hospital in Bissau. Bafatá operated with cooperation teams from the USSR, while Chinese doctors worked at the Canchungo hospital. Within the scope of bilateral cooperation, João da Costa separated the provision of healthcare by teams: Cuba, the USSR, and China—the main countries that actively supported the struggle led by the PAIGC. The World Health Organization and UNICEF collaborated on implementing a vaccination program to reduce infant and maternal mortality. With the new Portugal, Guinea-Bissau established a medical evacuation mechanism for patients requiring specialized therapy unavailable in Bissau. Cooperation agencies from countries, particularly Nordic ones, funded innovative health promotion projects focused on universal access, with full community participation. In the Madina do Boé region, the Primary Health Care Project became a model, inspiring the recommendations of the famous 1978 Alma-Ata Declaration on Primary Health Care.
Following the victory of the forces of General Gomes da Costa, which put an end to the First Republic, how did the surprising path that led Salazar to power and the creation of the Estado Novo unfold?
Heydrich was the highest-ranking Nazi official to be assassinated during the Second World War
A military uprising initiated in Braga by General Gomes da Costa led to a dictatorship that ended the First Republic and dominated Portugal for nearly 50 years. This is the story of the 28th of May. 'And the Rest is History' is a programme.
The forgotten Second World War battle, which was supposed to last only a few days but dragged on for months, devastated this Pacific island, where the scars are still visible
The José Diogo case was, during the revolutionary period, the most evident judicial clash between established legality and a nascent (?) revolutionary legality. Opinion by Francisco Teixeira da Mota
There are many similarities in the current situation of the country to that of 100 years ago.
When political winds blow with intensity, they usually affect several countries.
In an era where revanchism against democracy is based on the distortion of history and uses disinformation as a powerful political weapon, it is equally interesting to demonstrate that there are those who regret having committed anti-democratic acts.
Today marks 100 years since the coup d'état that plunged Portugal into the longest dictatorship in Western Europe. This could have been an episode about May 28, 1926, but Rui Tavares rebels and takes us instead to another May 28, that of 1911, the date of the first elections of the Portuguese Republic and the day when, for the first time, the right to vote was exercised by a woman in Portugal: Carolina Beatriz Ângelo.
On the 28th of May 100 years ago, a military revolt began in Braga that would bring down a First Republic that almost no one wanted to defend. Understanding why also helps to understand the challenges of today.
The military movement with regenerative ideas had General Gomes da Costa as its main leader.
Indifferent to the agony of a Democratic Republic to which they owed very little, the working masses would end up collaborating, through action or inaction, with the military of the May Revolution.
The most interesting point to observe about May 28, 1926, and one that should make us think today, is that it happened without resistance, practically by request.
Flowers and Portuguese flags were placed next to the names of the nine Portuguese victims. The minister describes the moment as “emotional” and highlights the role played by the Portuguese community.
An overview of the historical event that marked the start of the authoritarian regime in Portugal.
