🇵🇹🎉Happy 1st of December – Celebrating Portugal’s Restoration After 60 Years of Spanish Rule
Today Portugal celebrates the Restoration of Independence , the glorious moment in 1640 when the Portuguese collectively looked at the Spanish crown and said something roughly equivalent to: “Thanks for the 60-year Airbnb stay, but check-out time has arrived.” A group of nobles known as the Forty Conspirators (because “a bunch of very annoyed aristocrats” didn’t sound heroic enough) stormed the Royal Palace in Lisbon, tossed out the Spanish-appointed officials — literally tossed , in one case — and declared the Duke of Braganza as King João IV . Spain, naturally, was not amused. But Portugal stood firm, fought a 28-year-long war, and ultimately restored its independence. (Portugal: 1. Imperial Overreach: 0.) 🥂 Why This Matters for Expats Today Portugal’s Restoration Day is not just a history lesson — it’s a national reminder that: Identity matters. Culture matters. And sometimes you really do need to reclaim your house keys from the neighbour and/or occupiers...