Discover the Significance of December 1st: Portugal's Independence Day Celebration

This Sunday marks a public holiday in Portugal, known as the Restoration of Independence Day. December 1st commemorates the pivotal moment in 1640 when Portugal regained its independence after decades of Spanish rule.

On this day, a group of rebels orchestrated a successful coup, restoring independence to the Portuguese people, who then crowned King John IV.

Key Events of December 1st

The Forty Conspirators stormed the Royal Palace in Lisbon, assassinated the Spanish representative in Portugal, Miguel de Vasconcelos, and proclaimed the Duke of Braganza as king, thus beginning a new dynasty.

5 Fascinating Facts About This Day:

1. End of 60 Years of Occupation: Following the death of King Sebastian, a succession crisis emerged. Although Cardinal Henry was crowned, after his death, the people declared D. António as king, who was later defeated by Spanish forces at the Battle of Alcântara. This led to the Philippine Dynasty, marking another period of Spanish dominance over Portugal.

2. The Coup's Planning Location: The coup was meticulously planned in secret meetings at the Palace of Independence in Largo de São Domingos, Lisbon. Here, the 40 nobles conspired against Philip III of Spain in a building known at the time as the Palace of Antão Vaz de Almada.

3. Antão Vaz de Almada: Recognized as a leader of the Forty Conspirators, Almada's palace became known as the Palace of Independence. It is believed that the conspirators gathered there before proceeding to the Ribeira Palace to execute their plan.

4. Catalonia's Role: Concurrently, the Catalonian Peasants' War diverted Spanish attention, as Spain was engaged in various conflicts. This distraction proved crucial for the success of Portugal's independence efforts.

5. Delayed Recognition: Although the coup occurred on December 1, 1640, it wasn't until 1668 that Spain formally recognized Portugal's independence through the Treaty of Lisbon, aimed at establishing peace between the two nations and acknowledging Portugal as a kingdom.