During the first week of May, the Community of Madrid will bring together parades, reenactments and concerts as part of the Second of May and the commemoration of the uprising of 1808, the moment in which the people of Madrid rose up against the French occupation and the army of Napoleon Bonaparte. .
The different reproductions of this historical chapter are carried out by the Historical-Cultural Association Volunteers of Madrid 1808-1814, made up of a large group of people of all ages and professions who, for 20 years, have been recreating the two Volunteer Regiments. of Madrid, established in 1808, which participated in multiple battles of the War of Independence.
On May 2, Colmenar de Oreja will immerse itself in this chapter of history at 7 p.m. through the seventh edition of its recreation of the War of Independence, in the Plaza Mayor.
The representation has "great historical rigor" thanks to the efforts of the neighborhood participation who act as extras and the historical sources consulted, such as the National Historical Archive and the Archive of Castilla-La Mancha.
Likewise, on the big day of the festivities, May 2, Móstoles will honor the Heroes of Independence 1808/1814 in an event that will start at 12:30 p.m. in the Plaza del Pradillo, in which a wreath will be placed on the monument which remembers Mayor Andrés Torrejón and where the Mostoleños 2024 Awards awards will be presented.
After the historical reenactment in the Plaza de España (8 p.m.), the residents will tour the city dressed in period clothing during the traditional lantern parade, at 10 p.m., in tribute to the mayors of 1808.
The epicenter of the celebrations will move to Puerta del Sol during May 2, Community of Madrid Day, where different proposals will come together that will range from Goyaesque folklore and zarzuela to historical recreations, including theater, live music and dance.
The column of reenactors will parade starting at 5:30 p.m. through the scenes of authentic Madrid on May 2, from Montera Street to Puerta del Sol, where the recreation of the defense of the Monteleón Artillery Park will take place. , at 7 p.m., with the participation of hundreds of people, horses, carriages and cannons, as well as a tribute to the victims of the uprising.
The tour will continue through the Plaza Mayor, Calle Mayor and Plaza de Oriente. At this last point there will be another historical reenactment at 8 p.m., in which the moment in which the people of Madrid confront the French soldiers shouting "Treason! Let them take them away!" will be reproduced, in reference to the infantryman. Francisco de Paula.
The sound of cannons and rifles will reverberate at the doors of the Royal Palace of Madrid, accompanied by the roar "Death to the French! Death to Napoleon!" against the invader.
On Friday, May 3, this journey through the history of the region will continue with the Victory Ball at the Santoña Palace, in the month of August 1812. Thus, starting at 7 p.m., this event will be remembered in honor to the liberators of the capital.
The agenda for the events of the War of Independence in the capital will continue on Saturday, May 4, with the victory parade, from the Plaza de Isabel II to the Retiro Park (11 a.m.).
The Plaza de la Villa will host, for its part, the great celebration at 12 noon, with victors and shouts of "Madrid has been liberated! Long live the Constitution of Cádiz! Long live King Ferdinand! Long live Spain!" . The day will end with the taking of the Retiro Citadel by the Allied Army, at 7 p.m.
This historic week will put the finishing touch on Sunday, the 5th, with one last reenactment, that of the liberation of Barajas by the El Empecinado guerrilla, at 12 noon.
