Portugal Restoration of Independence is celebrated every year on December 1st. It is the most important bank holiday in Portugal. The date recalls the struggle of Portuguese Nobles, who on December 1, 1640, revolted against Spanish rule and restored Portuguese independence from Spain.
What Is the Portugal National Day of Independence?
The Portuguese Restoration of Independence was the climax of a 60 years period of great discontent with respect to the Portuguese population that was not happy with the Iberian union, between Portugal and Spain. The Iberian association caused issues for the Portuguese population with the taxes over-burden and Portugal’s involvement in the disputes in Spain.
Sunday 1st December : This Day in Portuguese History – Portuguese Restoration of Independence Day
Today is a special day for Portuguese History. Formally, the first of December is a public holiday in the nation, to celebrate the restoration of Portuguese autonomy from Spain. Every year this date is commended with extraordinary grandeur and ceremony and is an incredible source of national pride.
| Portugal Restoration of Independence Day | |
| The first of December is a public holiday in Portugal that celebrates the restoration of Portuguese autonomy from Spain. | |
| Date: | 1st December |
| Also Called: |
Feliz Portugal Restauração do Dia da Independência – National Day of Portugal – Portugal Independence Day
|
| Significance: |
Commemorates the restoration of Portuguese independence following 60 years of Spanish rule from 1580-1640
|
| Observed by: | Portugals |
| Celebrations: |
Parades, Ceremonies, Cultural Events, Military Bands
|
| Holiday Type: | Public – National – Bank |
SECTION # 1
Portugal Restoration of Independence History: Who Conquered & How Portugal Gained Independence?
The 1st of December is a public holiday in Portugal which commemorates the restoration of Portuguese independence following 60 years of Spanish rule from 1580-1640.
Outline: For many years, Portugal had been an independent country, when, in 1581, it went under Spanish control because the Portuguese king died without a beneficiary or heir. King Filipe II of Spain was among the contenders for the crown, and he had the military power to influence his case to prevail over his rivals.
Between the late 16th century until the mid-17th century, Portugal was under the Iberian Association with Spain. This prompted Portugal being ruled by three ages of Spanish Kings, which are referred to in our history as the “Filipes” as every one of the three Rulers (Philip II, Philip III, Philip IV) who ruled Portugal, had a similar first name.
The Spanish Invasion of Portugal in 1580: Here’s How It All Happened…
What set the phase for Spanish rule was a dynastical crisis expedited by the activities of the young Portuguese King, Sebastian I. At the youthful age of 3, Sebastian moved toward becoming King of Portugal, inheriting a huge colonial empire from his grandfather, King John III.
Dom Sebastião, the kid-Lord (he became king at three years of age) made an exceptionally confused assault on Morocco in 1578 bringing about the 24-year-old king’s death, alongside 8000 of his troops, including the greater part of the male line of the Portuguese imperial family.
This rash act, at last, brought about Portugal losing its independence to Spain. After Sebastião’s passing his great-uncle Cardinal Henrique moved toward becoming king, yet as he was old and childless there was a succession crisis. There were a few petitioners to the royal position, the three main ones being grandkids of Dom Manuel I: Felipe II of Spain; Infanta Catarina, Duchess of Bragança; and Dom António, Prior do Crato.
António was the prominent choice and when Dom Henrique passed away in 1580 António moved toward becoming Dom António I. However, King Felipe II of Spain attacked Portugal immediately and António fled to France enabling Felipe to take the position of royalty and move toward becoming Filipe I of Portugal.
How Was Portugal National Day Under Spain Rule?
The 60 years of Spanish rule were disastrous for Portugal. Associations with Portugal’s two previous partners, Britain and Holland, were broken as Portugal was seen to be a partner with Spain, the enemy of the two nations.
The English were furious that the Spanish Armada was being equipped in Lisbon and Filipe I restrict Portugal to trade with the Dutch, bringing about the Dutch assuming control over the spice trade routes that Portugal had controlled up to that point.
During the 60 years of Portugal under Spanish control, taxes were raised on Portuguese merchant ships, an endeavor was made to make Portugal a district of Spain rather than a separate possession, and the Portuguese lost its impact both in Madrid and in Portugal itself, an unrest started to brew. There were some revolts in 1637, yet the revolt that started the Portuguese Restoration War, originally called “the Acclamation War,” came on the 1st of December 1640.
The Portuguese Restoration War & The Road To Independence
After Filipe, I’s death, the next two kings, Filipe II, and Filipe III, show no enthusiasm or interest for Portugal and invested almost no energy there. The upset Portuguese, led by João, the seventh Duke of Bragança (and the grandson of Infanta Catarina, Duchess of Bragança), planned an overthrow and on 1 December 1640 they raged the royal palace in Lisbon and killed the secretary to the governor. This brought about João taking the throne and being crowned Dom João IV.
The Portuguese Restoration War started on 1st December 1640 and continued for 28-years till Portugal’s independence by Spain in 1668.
*Do you know? December 1st was picked in light of the fact that the Spanish nobles who held posts of authority in Portugal would go home for Christmas at this time, and 1640 was picked on the grounds that it was that year that a revolt broke out in Catalonia in northeastern Spain.
The war went on for a long time, from 1640 to the acknowledgment of Portugal’s freedom by Spain in 1668. Amid that time, the distraction of Spain with Catalonia, with the Thirty Years’ War in Germany, with the Franco-Spanish War, with clashes against Britain and Netherlands, and with its large colonial empire helped Portugal win at last.
There were just five major battles, however, in the 28 years – it was, for the most part, small encounters and strikes, particularly of towns close to the Spanish-Portuguese border region. The English and Dutch also helped Portugal during the revolt, in the interests of weakening their common enemy Spain. The Portuguese House of Braganca picked up the royal position of Portugal as a result of the revolt and would rule they topple by republican forces in the early 20th century.
Portugal Gains Independence from Spain in 1668
The Spanish would not surrender Portugal easily and a 28-year War of Independence was battled, which at last finished in 1668 with a clear Portuguese victory. The House of Bragança ruled Portugal until 1910 when the last king of Portugal was killed and the Republic was declared.
Portugal battled against the Spaniards for 28 years, and finally, in 1668, Spain perceived the freedom of Portugal once again.
SECTION # 2
Portugal Restoration of Independence Day: Celebrations & Activities
December 1st marks the most important bank holiday in Portugal – The Restoration of Independence. The day recalls the struggle of Portuguese Nobles, who on December 1, 1640, invaded the Royal Palace and acclaimed D.Jao, Duke of Braganca, as King of Portugal.
The Portugal Restoration of Independence Day is celebrated in the country’s capital city Lisbon with a parade down the Avenida da Liberdade, joined by military bands, and a special ceremony in the Praça dos Restauradores attended by legislators, government key officials, and the military, where wreaths are placed on the ornate monument to the men who battled in the Portugal War of Independence.
There are cultural events promoted by the government, and the greater part of Portuguese recall on this day respect their historical legacy from monarchic times when Portugal used to be a standout amongst the most important nations in the world. It’s also a day used by monarchic divisions in Portugal to recall the monarchic history of the nation and the significance that they had in the building of the Portuguese country.
SECTION # 3
Portugal FAQs
What are the major holidays in Portugal?
List of major holidays in Portugal with dates .
New Year’s Day Tue, 1 Jan
Carnival Tue, 5 Mar
Shrove Tuesday Tue, 5 Mar
Good Friday Fri, 02 Apr
Easter Sun, 04 Apr
Freedom Day Sun, 25 Apr
Labour Day Sat, 1 May
Portugal Day Thu, 10 Jun
Corpus Christi Thu, 03 Jun
Feast of Assumption Sun, 15 Aug
Republic Day in Portugal Tue, 5 Oct
Teachers’ Day Tue, 5 Oct
Portugal Restoration of Independence Day Wed, 1 Dec
Feast of the Immaculate Conception Wed, 8 Dec
Christmas Day Sat, 25 Dec
What is Assumption Day Portugal?
The citizens of Portugal celebrate the Christian belief that God Assumed that the Virgin was Married into Heaven after her death. In many countries of the world, Assumption Day Portugal is celebrated on the 15th of August Every year.
Is it a National Holiday in Portugal today?
10th of June is the National Holiday in Portugal. Today is not the National Holiday in Portugal. The Citizens of Portugal celebrate the National Holiday on the 10th of June every year.
What is All Saints Day Portugal?
The citizens of Portugal celebrate All Saints Day on the 1st of November publicly to honor the dead. In Portugal it is the holiday which is celebrated by the Catholic Church, to honor the Saints who don’t have their own feasts.
Do they celebrate Halloween in Portugal?
On the 31st of October, Portugal Halloween Children Celebrate by dressing up and going to trick-or-treating as well as participating in pumpkin-carving competitions in the Schools.
What is the Carnival in Portugal?
Carnival is one of the most famous even in Portugal. Each Community of Portugal celebrates it in a different way. The Algarve celebrates the Carnival by sailing the decorated traditional boats carefully along the coasts.
What is Christmas like in Portugal?
Father Christmas Pai Natal is strongly believed to bring gifts to children on Christmas Eve rather than Christmas Day. The presents are left under the Christmas tree or in the fireplace. On the other hand, some people in the Portugals say that the gifts are brought by the baby Jesus rather than the Father Christmas.
Do they Celebrate Thanksgiving in Portugal?
Yes, the Citizens of Portugal celebrate Thanksgiving Day. And it is celebrated on the last Thursday of November every year.
What do they call Santa in Portugal?
In Portugal they people recognize Santa Claus as Pai Natal which means the father Christmas.
What Food is Portugal Know for?
A common soup of Portugal is Caldo Verde which is specially made with the potato, shredded collard greens and chunks of Chourico. Among it with a fish recipe, salted cod dishes are pervasive. The desserts are Arroz Doce and caramel custard.
What is Portugal Famous Food?
A common soup of Portugal is Caldo Verde which is specially made with the potato, shredded collard greens and chunks of Chourico. Among it with a fish recipe, salted cod dishes are pervasive. The desserts are Arroz Doce and caramel custard.
Do they Speak English in Portugal?
Approximately 32% of the citizens of Portugal can speak and understand English. 24% can understand and speak French. 9% of the Portuguese can understand and speak Spanish fluently.
What do you eat for breakfast in Portugal?
The traditional breakfast in Portugal is just the milky coffee and the piece of butter toast.
What is the drink of Portugal?
Super Bock is the most common brand of beer in Portugal for all the beer lovers. Don’t try to leave Portugal without trying the Super Bock.
What is the most popular beer in Portugal?
There are a lot of beer brands which are most popular in Portugal but among them, the Super Bock is the most common beer brand in Portugal.
What do they eat in Portugal?
The diet of the people of Portugal is filled with vegetables, fruits, fresh seafood, and so many sweets. Moreover, at the center of every meal, there are 2 indispensable items wine and bread.
How much is a Beer in Portugal?
In Portugal, the cheapest beer cost €1.92 approx. it’s an average calculation.
Is there is free healthcare in Portugal?
The health care in Portugal might not come with free everything. You need to pay charges for some healthcare.
What is the average salary in Portugal?
The Average Salary in Portugal is around 860 euros. Moreover, the average wages in Portugal are still the low figures for the Western European st
List of National Public holidays of Portugal in
| Date | Holiday | Comments | |
|---|---|---|---|
| January 01 | New Year’s Day | ||
| March 19 | Father’s Day | Celebrated on Saint Joseph’s Day. Not a public holiday | |
| April 02 | Good Friday | Friday before Easter Sunday | |
| April 04 | Easter | Easter Holiday | |
| April 25 | Freedom Day | Liberation Day | |
| May 01 | Labour Day | May Day | |
| May 02 | Mother’s Day | 1st Sunday in May. Not a public holiday | |
| June 10 | Portugal Day | Portugal Day | |
| June 13 | Feast of St Anthony | Lisbon only | |
| June 03 | Corpus Christi | second Thursday after Whitsun. | |
| June 24 | Feast of St John the Baptist | Porto Only | |
| August 15 | Assumption Day | Assumption of Mary | |
| October 05 | Republic Day | Republic Day | |
| November 01 | All Saints’ Day | All Saints’ Day | |
| December 01 | Restoration of Independence | Restoration of Independence | |
| December 08 | Immaculate Conception Day | Immaculate ConChristmas Dayception Day | |
| December 25 | Christmas Day |