Republic Day in Portugal

Today the country celebrates the establishment of the First Portuguese Republic

On 5 October 1910 the Portuguese monarchy was overthrown as a result of a coup led by the Portuguese Republican Party. This led to the creation of the First Portuguese Republic, which existed for 16 years – until the creation of a new dictatorial regime.

The 5 October Revolution was a result of the gradual weakening of the long-lived Portuguese monarchy, first established in 1139. The last few decades had not been kind to the once-mighty empire.

The loss of its colonies, including Brazil – the richest and most valuable of the bunch, ever-increasing pressure from the British Empire, the deaths of king Carlos I and his heir in 1908 and the steadily changing opinions of the Portuguese population all contributed to the rise of republican sentiment. The Portuguese Republican Party took advantage of the deteriorating monarchic regime and struck against king Manuel II on 3 October.

Widespread sympathy among the army for the rebels led to a quick and decisive victory for the republicans. The king and his family were forced into exile on 5 October, never to return to Portugal again.

With the change in government, the Republic of Portugal adopted its current flag and anthem. The holiday is celebrated every year on 5 October but was temporarily scrapped as part of the austerity measures imposed on the country in 2011. It officially made its return in 2016.