At 3:00 p.m., the appointed time for the parade’s commencement, a crowd filled the capital’s main artery, extending to the Marquis of Pombal roundabout and painted red by the carnations carried or worn on their chests.
Following a historic march last year, thousands responded to the call from the Associação 25 de Abril and leftist parties to march down Avenida on the 51st anniversary of the Revolution. This occurred despite the national mourning declared for April 24, 25, and 26 in honor of the late Pope Francis.
“We are confident that the Government will receive an appropriate response from the Portuguese people, who, while respecting Francisco’s memory, will celebrate another anniversary of the day that guaranteed them freedom, peace, and democracy,” anticipated the Associação 25 de Abril on Thursday.
The streets resounded with the usual slogans, “April 25 always, fascism never again,” and “The people united will never be defeated,” amidst dozens of Portuguese flags, political party flags, union organizations, civic movements, and some from Palestine.
The parade commenced around 3:30 p.m., progressing slowly and marked by the two traditional armored vehicles, yet held in a celebratory spirit.
