It might sound like the beginning of a joke, but the answer is surprising. Second article in a special series: How has Eurovision influenced dramatic political events?

Nice to meet you, I’m Tal. As a student of communications and political science, the connection between politics and the Eurovision Song Contest has always intrigued me. And I know what you’re thinking – politics? Haven’t we had enough of it after Eurovision 2024? But wait, this is going to be much more entertaining than it sounds!

After understanding how Eurovision intervened in the dissolution of Serbia and Montenegro, let’s jump to Portugal! The 70s there were like a historical TV episode, and Eurovision – well, let’s say it got a guest role it never even dreamed of.

Portugal Under Dictatorship

In 1974, Portugal was one of the last remaining dictatorships in Europe. In those days, under the influence of António Salazar (who had already passed away, but his impact on the government continued), Portugal suffered from a military oppressive regime, with a declining economy and citizens fighting exhausting colonial wars in Africa. The Portuguese were yearning for change, for fresh air – and hope, as often happens in history, came from an unexpected direction: the Eurovision Song Contest.

Portugal joined Eurovision for the first time in 1964 but quickly realized it was more than just a glitzy music show. Eurovision became a window allowing a glimpse of what freedom looks like, and in 1974, a small peek at Eurovision proved revolutionary.

1974: The Year Everything Changed

In Eurovision 1974, Portugal chose to send the song “E Depois do Adeus” (in English: “And After Goodbye”) performed by Paulo de Carvalho. Seemingly, a simple song about a painful farewell, but behind the innocent lyrics of the song hid a deeper intention – for some of the military personnel planning a rebellion, the song was supposed to be an opening signal, symbolizing for them the beginning of the revolution. The song was broadcast on the night of April 24th, and immediately after, all radio stations started playing it over and over as a sign for the revolutionary forces to start moving.

The rebel forces, also known as the “Armed Forces Movement” (MFA), used the song to coordinate their activities. The movement was led by junior officers and made use of the color red and carnation flowers as symbols. The singing of the revolution, along with the scent of flowers, turned this day not only into a turning point but also into a festive event. With the success of the revolution, and for the first time after more than four decades, Portugal managed to free itself from dictatorship. The Carnation Revolution became a symbol of peace and hope, and as the rebel forces marched through the streets, they were met with the support of citizens, who joined them and placed carnation flowers in the rifle barrels as a symbol of non-violent struggle.

Eurovision’s Lasting Impact on Portuguese Culture

After this successful revolution, Portugal didn’t exactly forget about Eurovision. On the contrary, it became a symbol of their new life. In 1975, they took the stage again with a song called “Madrugada” (In English: “Dawn”) – because obviously, they needed to reflect their new mood and the new era they had entered. In light of history, the contest became for Portugal not just a musical stage but also a central cultural event in Europe, where it emphasized the change and liberation from dictatorship.

Fifty years have passed since the Carnation Revolution, but Eurovision’s influence on Portuguese culture is still evident today. The revolution changed not only the political structure of the country but also how Portuguese citizens see their place in Europe. They became an integral part of the continent, not just geographically but also in terms of aspiration for equality, freedom, and democracy.

Conclusion: The Power of Music and Symbols

Eurovision may have been the stage, but the carnation flowers and the song were the engine. The revolution in Portugal is proof that three minutes of a Eurovision song and one flower in a barrel can make a real change. So the next time you watch the contest, remember – behind every simple song can be a story no less than revolutionary.

Eurovision 2025: This will be Portugal’s 56th participation in the Eurovision Song Contest. Portugal joined the competition in 1964 and achieved its best result in Eurovision 2017 when singer Salvador Sobral won first place with the song “Amar pelos dois.”