The cries of «Betrayal! They have taken our king and want to take all the members of the royal family!» echoed early on that Monday, May 2, 1808.
A multitude of people from Madrid had gathered in front of the Royal Palace upon hearing the rumor that the Infante Francisco de Paula, the last member of the royal family remaining in Spain, was going to be taken to France. French General Murat took advantage of the situation to open fire on them, sparking the popular uprising.
The War of Independence now has its own dictionary
Throughout that day, various uprisings occurred, clearly showing the rejection of the people of Madrid towards the French occupation. The townspeople confronted the Napoleonic soldiers with whatever they had at hand: knives, daggers, sticks… The military superiority of the French army was evident, and many Madrileños lost their lives on that May 2nd. Those who did not perish but were captured, were executed by the French during the early hours of the following day.
Since 1983, when it was established that May 2nd would be Madrid’s Community Day with the Autonomy Statute, popular heroes like Manuela Malasaña, Clara del Rey, or Captain Daoiz are commemorated with historical reenactments of the uprising.
Torrejón de Ardoz
The first representation of all will be in Torrejón de Ardoz, on Thursday, May 1st at 12:00 p.m. The Main Square of the municipality will become an authentic battleground.
Madrid
On May 1st, in Vicálvaro (Plaza del Cordel de Pavones), there will be a historical reenactment at 5:30 p.m. At that time, this district was part of a key route for the troops, so it played a very relevant role during the War of Independence.
The Community of Madrid will celebrate the May 2nd Festivities with folklore, theater, and concerts
The following day, the district of Fuencarral – El Pardo will hold its own reenactment at 12:30 p.m. in the outdoor auditorium of Parque de la Vaguada.
And in the afternoon, at 5:30 p.m., the Historical-Cultural Association Volunteers of Madrid 1808-1814 will gather hundreds of people, horses, carriages, and cannons on the esplanade of Puente del Rey to relive the popular uprising.
Móstoles
As is tradition every year, Móstoles, whose role in the declaration of the War of Independence was crucial, celebrates its traditional May 2nd festivities with concerts and activities, including two historical reenactments.
The first one will be on Thursday, May 1st at 12:00 p.m. Through costumed scenes, the uprising will be portrayed. It will start at the Parque Cuartel Huertas and end in Plaza de España.
On May 2nd, at 8:00 p.m., in Plaza de España the second reenactment will take place, this time focusing on the role played by the mayors of Móstoles during those decisive days.
Both representations are organized by the Actors School of Móstoles.