A memory celebrated through the years
Because of the historical importance of 13 July 1975, the Association of Agricultural Producers of the Rio Maior Region has marked this date over the years. The commemorations bring together farmers, families and the wider community to remember the events, honour those who took part and pass the values of unity, courage and freedom associated with Free Farmer's Day to new generations.
Gathering, memory and fellowship
Photographs taken on 13 July 2016 show farmers and their families gathering around the table, sharing stories and listening to speeches devoted to the memory of 13 July.
A selection of nine photographs from the original archive of 29 images.
The fiftieth anniversary of Free Farmer's Day
APA Rio Maior marked the fiftieth anniversary of Free Farmer's Day with a tractor parade through the city, ending in the Municipal Garden for a community gathering.
Founding farmers were honoured, a commemorative plaque was unveiled and young farmer Adriana Agostinho spoke about perseverance and freedom as pillars of rural life. Speakers from APA, CAP and Rio Maior Municipality recalled the events between 13 July and 25 November 1975 and the farmers' resistance during the Hot Summer.
Fifty-one years of Free Farmer's Day
In 2026, the commemoration once again brought Rio Maior's farming community together. This video records the tractor parade and gathering beside the Rio Maior Agricultural Cooperative, preserving another chapter of this annual tradition.
“Fifty years have passed!”
Extracts from the speech given by APA Rio Maior President Joaquim Nazaré Gomes during the fiftieth anniversary of Free Farmer's Day on 13 July 2025.
“Allow me to go back fifty years. It was also a Sunday, 13 July 1975, when hundreds of farmers from this region gathered outside the Rio Maior Farmers' Guild to prevent its occupation.
Two farmers had learnt of the plan the day before and spread the word. At the appointed time, more than 400 farmers were outside the building. [...] Rio Maior raised the first cry of revolt that day against the abuses threatening the country. The population joined the farmers' cause.
Support arrived from farmers throughout Portugal, leading to the creation of the National Farmers' Secretariat under the late José Manuel Casqueiro. The meetings culminated in the great demonstration of 24 November, when CAP's statutes and the road and railway blockades were approved.
Fifty years have passed! Today we celebrate more than a memory: we celebrate the courage, unity and free spirit of those who work the land and feed Portugal.”
Joaquim Nazaré Gomes, 13 July 2025 · English translation