Portugal Independence Day (Restauração da Independência)
Today (December 1) is Independence Day and celebrates Portugal's independence from Spain in 1640 after Spain had ruled the country since 1581.
On this day the Spanish were driven from the country and John of Bragança became King John IV of Portugal. A small group of Portuguese patriots stormed the palace in Lisbon and imprisoned the Duchess of Mantua, the Spanish appointed Governor of Portugal.
Sporadic conflict followed the coup in Lisbon and lasted, on and off, until 1668. Along with a number of border incursions, the fortress town of Elvas was unsuccessfully besieged by Spanish forces, though nearby Evora was briefly taken by the Spaniards. Spain finally agreed to recognize Portugal's independence on in February 1668.
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