The 51st anniversary of the Carnation Revolution is upon us, and Portugal is gearing up to celebrate. Here are our top picks for 2025:
APRIL 3 | GUIDED TOUR | Salgueiro Maia — Captain of April | 10h30 and 14h30 | €4,25
Salgueiro Maia, the great hero of the Carnation Revolution of April 25, 1974, was born in Alentejo, raised in Pombal, and stationed at the Practical School of Cavalry in Santarém after a military stint in Africa. Later, in Lisbon, he made a name for himself as a key operative who contributed to the military coup that successfully ended the Estado Novo regime. This tour invites you to walk in his footsteps on that fateful day in 1974 and the days leading up to it. According to the original event description, advance booking is mandatory here: itineraries.culturais@cm-lisboa.pt. You can also call 218 170 742 for more information.
APRIL 5 | PLANITARIUM WORKSHOP | Jardim da Estrela | 11h | FREE
The Casa do Jardim da Estrela is one of many local facilities across Lisbon that are part of the citywide project “Um Teatro em Cada Bairro!” There are plenty of activities planned, but we recommend joining author Margarida Botelho’s Planetarium Dome Workshop based on her illustrated children’s book Big Bang Boom! – Da criação do Universo à Origem da Vida. Botelho will challenge children over three (and their parents) to create a mini-planetarium while she tells stories and assists with this stellar task. Book in advance here: umteatroemcadabairro.cjardimestrela@cm-lisboa.pt or by phone at 218 174 987.
APRIL 5 – 19 | EASTER EGG HUNT + LIVE THEATER | Ajuda Botanical Garden | 11h and 15h | €15
The fictional character Dona Cremilde joins up with the cunning trickster Coelho Janota for a theatrical Easter egg hunt that’s full of historical adventure and egg-citing mystery for anyone over 3. But this isn’t your average hunt for chocolate eggs. It’s your chance to step back in time, wander through avenues lined with flora from across the globe, and marvel at a 400-year-old Dragon Tree that’s seen more epochs than most museums. The central fountain with its 40 spouts? Just another reminder that this place doesn’t do things halfway. As you and your crew search for Janota’s hidden treasures, you’ll be soaking up stories of the past while following the white rabbit. It’s the perfect mix of education, exploration, and just the right amount of chaos for kids and adults alike. Get your tickets here.
APRIL 6 | OUTDOOR ARTIST MARKET | CCB Open-Air Market | FREE
Our favorite outdoor market at the CCB is returning with a new theme: Show, See, and Do. The stalls will be chock-full of delectables, handmade products, local Portuguese handicrafts, contemporary housewares, natural soaps and balms, savory sauces and tapenades, quirky fashions, second-hand and upcycled clothing and accessories, and more. Also, this time around, they’re adding a stage for activities, workshops, classes, and maybe a little music. Sounds like a great way to spend the afternoon.
APRIL 6 | FALCONRY | São Jorge Castle | 10h and 15h | FREE (with entry)
The Ancient art of falconry is no less badass than it was way back when. In fact, due to its centuries-long tradition in Portugal, it’s recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Heritage of Humanity. So why not experience it for yourself inside the walls of an ancient castle with one hell of a view of the city? Check out the exhibition of pieces and equipment used by falconers from 10h to 17h, and watch an exciting demonstration of free flight at 10h and 15h. But don’t stress. If you miss it, you can also catch the action on May 4th, as there’s another show planned. Same time, same place. May the 4th be with you either day you decide to go.
APRIL 9 – 17 | ITALIAN FILM FESTIVAL | São Jorge Cinema+ | €5
Whether you choose to grab a seat at the opening session for the dramatized political film The Great Ambition on April 9th or you opt for the closing film that takes a close look at the commodification of the female body via pornography in Diva Futura: Cicciolina and the Revolution of Desire on April 17th, it’s almost certain you’ll be exposed to a little bit of everything, but maybe not in the way you might be thinking. Check out the full program here of the 18th edition of this festival as most, but not all of the films are being screened at São Jorge.
APRIL 11 | FORAGING | Jardim da Estrela | 17h30 | FREE
As part of the Casa do Jardim da Estrela’s “Um Teatro em Cada Bairro” you can find out what a baobab and other fantastic plants taste like during this workshop! Discover Jardim da Estrela’s edible roots, grasses, and leaves with Filipa Barros, Vanessa Albino, and Fernanda Botelho, and be sure to give us the scoop! Savory or sweet? Inquiring minds want to know. Again, booking in advance is mandatory here: umteatroemcadabairro.cjardimestrela@cm-lisboa.pt or by phone at 218 174 987.
APRIL 15 | DOCUMENTARY | Those Who Remained | Aljube Museum | 18h | FREE
Check out this free documentary screening (in Portuguese) by directors Marianela Valverde and Humberto Candeias that captures the testimonies of family members of political opponents of the Estado Novo regime, who resisted the “prison” of deprivation and yet still found ways to survive the dictatorial regime that prevailed. The screening has limited capacity, so get there ahead of time to ensure you get a spot.
TO APRIL 20 | THEATER | A Festa de Aniversário | Teatro do Bairro | Wed – Fri, 21h30; Sat – Sun, 18h
Written in 1957, The Birthday Party, in the original, was Harold Pinter’s first play to debut on a London stage. According to the organizers, this “bizarre and disconcerting comedy” follows two strange men through a small English town who following a musician called Stanley. The two men track him down to the home of a couple who are renting him a room and go on to rent rooms in the same house. Upon their arrival, they are invited by the hostess to a birthday party for Stanley “with speeches and champagne.” Awkward much? This play is in Portuguese, FYI.
APRIL 23 | EXHIBITION OPENING | Posters Withoug Censorship: April 25 and the Revolution of the “Hot Summer” | MAC | 19h | FREE
The Museum of Contemporary Art (MAC/CCB) is hosting the opening party for Posters without Censorship: April 25th and the Revolution of the “Hot Summer,” during which attendees can travel back in time to the day of the Carnation Revolution and beyond to the scorching summer that followed. Their collection of original politically charged posters of the people from that period will shed some light on what it felt like to be in the midst of political upheaval and social transformation, from the snarky to the downright defiant. Who knows what we could learn and apply to the current global political climate? Also, you can likely snag a free glass of bubbly to wash it all down. Confirm your attendance here in advance to get on the guest list.
APRIL 23 | FADO CONCERT | Helder Moutinho | CCB Belém | 20h | €12,50 – 25
As part of the Há Fado no Cais cycle, co-produced by the Museu do Fado, the well-known fadista Helder Moutinho will bring his best to the stage. His most recent album, Os Dias da Liberdade – A Tribute to João Monge, is said to be a mix of poetry, and disciplined artistry thanks to Ricardo Parreira’s Portuguese guitar, João Filipe’s fado guitar, Ciro Bertini’s acoustic bass, Carlos Garcia’s piano and Yuri de Oliveira’s percussion. According to the EGEAC, “This work, deeply inspired by freedom and poetry, pays homage to one of the most remarkable authors of Portuguese music and is also a celebration of words and freedom, reflecting the spirit of the Carnation Revolution.” Grab your tickets here.
APRIL 25 | OPEN MUSEUM | Aljube Museum | 10h – 17h30 | FREE
The Aljube Museum is the perfect place to celebrate and commemorate the 51st anniversary of the Carnation Revolution. Once a notorious political prison, this space still echoes with resilience and defiance against the dictatorship. The preserved prison cells, haunting exhibits, and personal stories paint a gripping picture of the fight for democracy. It’s a chilling yet inspiring reminder of how Portugal rose from oppression to freedom—one act of courage at a time. Intrigued? Read Atlas’ write-up here.
APRIL 27 | OPEN-AIR CONCERT | Praça do Município | 19h | FREE
The city of Lisbon has arranged a free open-air concert called Variations on Paredes based on the music of Carlos Paredes, master of the Portuguese guitar and composition with António Miguel Guimarães as artistic director, and Pedro Jóia as musical director and classical guitarist. This show has been arranged for several instruments including the harpsichord, piano, Portuguese guitar, and viola, so it’s sure to be a soulful way to commemorate the centenary of Carlos Paredes’ birth. The performance will be accompanied by live painting and drawing by António Jorge Gonçalves so don’t miss it!
TO MAY 11 | TEMPORARY STOP-MOTION ANIMATION EXHIBIT | Marionette Museum | 7€ (FREE UNDER 6)
Marking the 18th exhibition in partnership with the MONSTRA Lisbon Animation Festival, the Museu da Marioneta has set up a new show exploring the universe of LAIKA Studios and unveiling the behind-the-scenes magic of stop-motion animation. FRAME x FRAME is an immersive journey where art, science, teamwork, and craftsmanship merge to turn animated filmmaking on its ear. Last entry is at 17h15. Tickets are available here and at the museum’s ticket office.
