THE LARGEST Portugal flag in Lisbon has been unfurled at the top of the city’s Parque Eduardo VII. The mega flag was given to the city by Ambelis, the agency for the base economic modernisation of Lisbon.
On hand to help hoist the 20m x 12m flag, which stands at 35m high, was temporary Mayor Carmona Rodrigues, ex Mayor Pedro Santana Lopes and Ambelis president, João Pessoa e Costa. The flag’s position at the top of the park means that it is visible from many points in the city, even from the Margem Sul (south margin of the River Tejo).
During the ceremony, Santana Lopes highlighted the importance of the flag as a strong image of Portuguese national identity, at a time when the citizens are feeling particularly pessimistic. “It serves as a symbol of faith for Portugal, while, at the same time, exalting the virtues of patriotism, which is always healthy,” he said. “At long last, Lisbon has a large national flag fluttering over the city such as is seen in most other European capitals.”
From his side, Carmona Rodrigues said that the idea of having a flag of this dimension for the city was something the Câmara had wanted since the beginning of its present term, which is drawing to a close. “The message is simple and clear – be proud to be Portuguese, especially given that Lisbon is completing 750 years as the capital of the country,” he said. “It’s also fantastic that the flag is positioned here, where it presides over this marvellous view of the largest estuary in Europe.”
