Honoring a Revolutionary Hero: Celeste Caeiro Receives Posthumous Medal of Honor from Lisbon

Celeste Caeiro Honored with Posthumous Medal of Honor

On February 7, the Lisbon City Council (CML) posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor of the City to Celeste Caeiro, a key figure in the April 25, 1974 revolution. Known as ‘Celeste dos Cravos’, she was born in Lisbon in 1933 and passed away in November 2024.

Celeste Caeiro's small yet impactful gesture during the revolution transformed it into a symbol known as the Carnation Revolution. Carlos Moedas, the CML president, emphasized her significance, stating, "Celeste Caeiro shows that history is often made by those we least expect, and that great events sometimes owe their place to ordinary people. Her name will forever be synonymous with April 25."

A Legacy of Courage and Resilience

In his speech, Moedas reflected on the lessons left by Caeiro, highlighting how she embodied the spirit of April and the idea that ordinary people can change the world. The Medal of Honor was presented to her granddaughter, Carolina Caeiro Fontela, who described her grandmother as a woman of unwavering principles and a fighter for her beliefs.

This tribute was proposed by the PCP, and the ceremony was attended by family members and party officials, including Ricardo Costa, Inês Zuber, and José Augusto Esteves.

Remembering Celeste Caeiro

Celeste Caeiro passed away in Lisbon at the age of 91. Recalling her bravery during the revolution, it was noted that she approached soldiers, asking if they needed anything and offering them carnations. This act of kindness became a defining moment of the revolution, leading to the nickname ‘Celeste dos Cravos’.

In May of the same year, the city council unanimously approved the Medal of Honor and plans for a public tribute in her memory. On the day of the revolution, Caeiro was working at a restaurant, and instead of going home, she took flowers to the streets, ultimately changing the course of history.

A Symbol of Peace

The Medal of Honor of the City is awarded to individuals or organizations that have made exceptional contributions to Lisbon. Celeste's story reminds us that even small gestures can have a profound impact on history.

Photo credit: CML/ALA
Update on the news as of February 9, 2025, at 10:56 AM