"Grandola, Vila Morena" is a song that became an anthem of the Carnation Revolution 50 years ago. It signaled the start of  the 25th of April Revolution, in Portugal in 1974. The revolution marked the end of the authoritarian Estado Novo regime and paved the way for modern democracy in Portugal.

The story of "Grandola, Vila Morena" begins with its composer, José Afonso, known as Zeca Afonso, a singer-songwriter and political activist. Afonso was deeply opposed to the oppressive regime of Estado Novo, led by António de Oliveira Salazar and later Marcelo Caetano, which had ruled Portugal for  nearly five decades.

In the early hours of April 25, 1974, the Armed Forces Movement (Movimento das Forças Armadas or MFA), composed of military officers dissatisfied with the regime and the war in Africa, launched a coup d'état to overthrow the government. The revolution was remembered for its peaceful nature, symbolized by the placing of carnations in the barrels of soldiers' rifles.

As part of the coup's plan, MFA radio stations broadcast secret signals to mobilize the military and civilians across Portugal. At 12:20 a.m., the signal to begin the revolution was given: the broadcast of "Grandola, Vila Morena" on the Portuguese national radio station Emissores Associados de Lisboa (EAL).

"Grandola, Vila Morena" was chosen for its evocative lyrics and powerful melody, which resonated with the spirit of the revolution. The song pays homage to the town of Grandola in the Alentejo region of Portugal, known for its progressive and resilient spirit. Its chorus, "Grândola, Vila Morena, Terra da Fraternidade" (Grandola, Dark Village, Land of Brotherhood), became synonymous with the ideals of freedom, unity, and fraternity.

As the song echoed across the airwaves, it served as the signal for rebel military units to initiate their operations. In Lisbon, the MFA quickly seized key locations, including radio stations, government buildings, and strategic points, without firing a single shot.

The coup's success was swift and decisive, leading to the downfall of the authoritarian regime and the establishment of a democratic government. The peaceful nature of the revolution and the widespread support it received from the Portuguese people earned it the nickname "Carnation Revolution," due to the flowers distributed among the crowds and placed in the barrels of rifles.

"Grandola, Vila Morena" remains a symbol of hope, resilience, and the power of music to inspire social change. Every year on April 25th, the song is played throughout Portugal as the country commemorates the anniversary of the Carnation Revolution, celebrating the triumph of democracy over dictatorship.

Grândola, Dark Village

Land of fraternity

The people are the ones who rule

Within you, oh city

Land of fraternity Grândola, Vila Morena

On every corner, a friend

In every face, equality

Grândola, Vila Morena

Land of fraternity

In the shade of a azinheira oak

That no one knows its age

I swore to have as a companion

Grândola, your will