The 25 de Abril Documentation Centre kicks off the celebrations for 25 April 2026, which also marks the 50th anniversary of the 1976 Portuguese Constitution — a fundamental milestone in the consolidation of democracy and the affirmation of the rights, freedoms and guarantees won after the Revolution.

In partnership with the Documentation and Memory Centre of the State University of São Paulo, it is promoting a colloquium that invites reflection on the importance of active citizenship, political mobilisation and multiple forms of resistance in authoritarian contexts, both in Portugal and in the Portuguese diaspora. The initiative is structured around two thematic panels — “Politics and Resistance in the Diaspora” and “Portugal-Brazil: citizenship, exile and resistance” — which seek to explore experiences, journeys and networks of solidarity built beyond national borders.

Based on the testimony of José Hipólito dos Santos — ‘tireless anti-fascist fighter and libertarian militant (1932–2017)’ — his posthumous autobiography, A Vida Faz-se de Acasos e Valores (Life is Made of Coincidences and Values), will be presented. Discovered and organised by Irene Hipólito, the work stands as a true “act of freedom” and made possible an unexpected reunion between father and daughter.

This book reveals the “archived memory” of a life deeply marked by firm convictions and unshakeable values — a testimony that transcends time and continues to inspire new generations in the defence of freedom.

Registration (mandatory) available here.