09/05/2026
Portugal before the 1974 Revolution — Episode 2
In this second episode of our series, we continue listening to the voices of those who lived under the Estado Novo regime, led by António de Oliveira Salazar and enforced by the PIDE.
This time, the focus turns to education — and who had access to it.
For many lower-income families, schooling was limited, interrupted early, or simply out of reach. In rural areas especially, children often left school early to work and support their households, while higher education remained accessible only to a small minority.
At the time, illiteracy was still widespread in Portugal. In the early 1970s, more than 25% of the population (INE) could not read or write, reflecting deep social and regional inequalities that shaped life opportunities for generations.
Even everyday life was marked by scarcity and a very different value of money. To put it into perspective: 50 centavos (half an Portuguese escudo) was a small but real everyday amount — equivalent to basic purchases like bread or small essentials at the time.
For reference: 1 escudo = 100 centavos, so 50 centavos = 0.5 escudos.
Through these memories, we explore how inequality shaped access to education, work, and the future — long before the changes brought by the 25th of April Revolution in 1974.
A sincere thank you to everyone who shared their stories with us ❤️
Interviewees:
Arminda — Casta D’Ouro
Adriano — Café Piolho
Paulo — Enche o Bandulho
Aníbal — Café Muralhas
Eva — Porto
José Mário — Invicta Livro
Stay tuned for Episode 3 🎥
What do you know about education in Portugal before 1974 — or in your own country’s history? Share your thoughts below.
