Dili, 28 November 2021 (TDI): The Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste is celebrating the 46th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Independence, today. The day commemorates the country’s independence from Portugal on 28 November 1975.

The Foreign Minister of the country, Adaljiza Magno took to her official Twitter account to share a celebratory message.

Carnation Revolution

In the early 16th century, the Portuguese were the first Europeans to arrive in the region. Subsequently, Christian missionaries arrived, followed by a military expedition. By 1702, Portugal completely took the area over. Ultimately, Timor-Leste was declared a Portuguese colony by the name of Portuguese Timor.

The country remained under the control of Portugal all the way into the 1970s. Allegedly, in 1974 the Carnation Revolution in Portugal ended the autocracy, creating an uncertain situation for its overseas colonies. Eventually, Portugal abandoned the area.

The Carnation Revolution was a military coup that overthrew the dictatorship in Portugal, on 25th April 1974. The revolution led to social, territorial, economic, political, and demographic changes. Portugal transitioned to a democratic system in the wake of the revolution.

The Carnation Revolution is called such because Celeste Caeiro, a restaurant worker offered carnation flowers to the soldiers when the people emerged on the streets to celebrate the end of a dictator government. Also, there were almost no shots fired during the revolution.

Proclamation of Independence by Timor-Leste

East Timor/Timor-Leste declared independence on 28th November 1975, unilaterally. Official holiday is observed on the day across the country, every year. It is celebrated nationwide with zeal and zest. Various ceremonies are held to commemorate the day; which also includes a flag hoisting ceremony; at the state level.

Timor-Leste, also known as East Timor, is a Southeast Asian nation. It occupies half the island of Timor by the Timor Sea. The capital city of Timor-Leste is Dili. The country acquired independence from Portugal in 1975 and then later from Indonesia in 2002.