Today is Dia do Trabalhador (Labour Day) in Portugal. While many enjoy the public holiday with a little R&R, or a family meal, the date carries deep historical weight in Portugal. The first 'free' May Day in Portugal occurred in 1974, just one week after the Carnation Revolution. It was a massive, emotional milestone where over a million people took to the streets of Lisbon to celebrate the end of the dictatorship and the beginning of new workers' rights. The day remains a symbol of social progress and the collective strength of the Portuguese people. As we look at the country today, the 'working pulse' of the nation is measured by its active workforce - the number of people either currently employed or seeking employment. Out of Portugal's total population of approximately 10.6 million, roughly how many people currently make up the 'população ativa' (active workforce)?

On the night of April 30th, people across Portugal (especially in the north and the Algarve) place yellow flowers on their doors, windows, and even their cars. Why do they do it? - To ward off the 'Burra': Legend says that a literal 'evil spirit' or a donkey (the Burra) comes by on the night of April 30th. If she sees the flowers, she stops to count them, gets confused, and leaves the house in peace. - The Hunger Myth: It’s also said to keep hunger away from the household for the coming year. What is the name of the traditional Portuguese flower custom... BONUS: What do the Portuguese call the bright yellow flowers we see growing wild all over Portuguese hillsides right now? Image

The Portuguese word of the year for 2025 was "Apagão" (Blackout), referring to the massive power outage that struck the Iberian Peninsula on April 28, 2025. Approximately how many people were affected by this widespread blackout across Portugal, Spain, and adjacent regions?

On this day in 1932, António de Oliveira Salazar was appointed President of the Council of Ministers (Prime Minister). While he had served as Finance Minister since 1928, this appointment solidified his role as the leader of Portugal. How long did Salazar ultimately remain in power as the head of the Portuguese government? --- Salazar's rule only ended after he suffered a brain hemorrhage (famously caused - allegedly - by falling from a deck chair). He was succeeded by Marcello Caetano, and the regime he built - the Estado Novo - lasted until the Carnation Revolution on April 25, 1974, celebrated this week. Salazar was so 'influential' that for the first two years after his stroke, his aides reportedly staged fake cabinet meetings and gave him 'dummy' newspapers so he wouldn't realise he had been replaced in office.

Thanks to 'vizinho português' @António Ferreira for the inspiration for this morning's Portugal Club Quiz question. António shared an article about Portugal's Via Verde system celebrating its 35th birthday. What is the total length of the tolled motorway network in Portugal?