Republic Day in Portugal 2025: history, meaning and what to expect

Commemorating the 1910 revolution that ended the monarchy, Portugal’s Republic Day sits at the heart of the national calendar.  The date is remembered as a reset of Portugal’s political life in the 20th century, with official ceremonies across Lisboa, Porto and beyond.

What is Republic Day in Portugal

Republic Day is a nationwide public holiday held every 5th October to mark the Implantação da República. Also recognised as Primeira República and Revolução Republicana de 1910, it centres on democratic values and the institutions of a modern democracy, with official ceremonies, flag protocol and public programming. It’s different in tone and purpose from Portugal Day, which takes place in June each year and celebrates national identity and Portuguese culture.

History and significance of Republic Day in Portugal

On 5th October 1910, a republican uprising in Lisboa brought an end to the Braganza monarchy and led to the proclamation of the Primeira República at the city hall. The new regime ushered in secular reforms, a reconfigured civic calendar and fresh national symbols, including the green-and-red flag and a new anthem.

Braganza Castle. M.Peinado, CC BY 2.0 Creative commons

How Republic Day is celebrated in Portugal

In Lisboa and major cities, the day unfolds with flag hoisting at government buildings, an honour guard, and short addresses from national or municipal leaders. Wreaths are laid at monuments linked to 1910, the anthem A Portuguesa is performed, and there’s usually a brief moment of silence.

Symbols you’ll notice

Expect the green‑and‑red flag and the national coat of arms on façades, balconies and rostrums, along with sashes or ribbons in republican colours. 

Community and cultural programming

Away from the main podiums, local councils curate small exhibitions on 1910, talks in cultural centres, and concerts by bandas filarmónicas. Some museums and heritage sites adjust schedules or run special activities, and schools often do related classroom projects in the days before the holiday.

Republic Day in Portugal 2025: date and public holiday status

Republic Day falls on Sunday, 5th October 2025. Portugal doesn’t shift public holidays that land on a Sunday, so there’s no automatic Monday off. It is a national public holiday, meaning central and local government offices, courts and most banks close, while essential services such as hospitals, emergency care and police operate as normal. 

Republic Day 2025 programme: official ceremonies and public events

You can expect a formal, fairly compact programme: flag hoisting, military honours, wreath‑laying and official speeches. 

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Lisbon Republic Day programme 2025

Lisboa usually hosts the headline acts in the city centre, with a protocol‑driven morning ceremony around Praça do Município and a short window for public attendance. 

This year, the Assembly of the Republic is opening Palácio de São Bento for the afternoon. It’s free to enter from 2 pm to 7 pm, with a compact, family‑friendly programme:

• Free visits throughout the afternoon
• Exhibitions: The First Hour and Symbols of the Republic
• Music: Saxophone Quartet of the Army Symphonic Band at 2 pm and 3 pm
• Dance: contemporary piece The Assembly at 5 pm
• Family activities in the Cloister: printing workshop and treasure hunt Adventures around the Palace

Republic Day events beyond Lisbon

In Porto, Coimbra and neighbouring councils, ceremonies typically take place outside municipal buildings or in central squares and are often paired with small cultural programmes run by local associations. Expect Sunday/holiday timetables on 5th October, with reduced public transport frequencies and tighter parking near event hubs.

In Coimbra, the eve of the holiday brings the Festa da Praça da República on 4th October. It's a free, community‑led programme across Praça da República with activities for all ages. It’s a joint effort by residents, local organisations and city institutions, with a strong emphasis on the environment, sustainable mobility and cultural diversity. 

What’s open and closed on 5th October 2025

Republic Day, which falls on a Sunday this year, is a Portuguese national public holiday. Central and local government offices, courts and most banks close, while essential services run as normal. In Lisboa and Porto, it feels much like a regular Sunday, with large supermarkets, shopping centres and many restaurants open. Smaller, family‑run shops often close. 

Museums and major attractions usually open with adjusted schedules and sometimes add special programmes. Expect temporary barriers and short traffic diversions near official ceremonies.

Hall of the Dukes of Bragança. Feliciano Guimarães, CC BY 2.0 Creative commons

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