Recreaciones históricas del 2 de mayo en Madrid: cuándo y dónde serán

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 crowd of Madrileños had gathered in front of the Royal Palace upon hearing rumors that the heir to the throne, the infante Francisco de Paula, the last remaining member of the royal family in Spain, was to be taken to France. French General Murat took advantage of the situation to shoot at them, sparking the popular uprising.

Throughout that day, various uprisings made it clear that the people of Madrid rejected the French occupation. The townsfolk faced the Napoleonic soldiers with whatever they could find: knives, daggers, sticks… The military superiority of the French army was evident, and many Madrileños died on that May 2. Those who were not killed but were captured were executed by the French during the early hours of the following day.

Since 1983, when it was established in the Autonomous Statute that May 2 would be the Day of the Community of Madrid, popular heroes like Manuela Malasaña, Clara del Rey, or Captain Daoiz have been commemorated with historical reenactments of the uprising.

Torrejón de Ardoz

The first reenactment will take place in Torrejón de Ardoz on Thursday, May 1, at 12:00 p.m. The Main Square of the municipality will become a true stage of battle.

Madrid

On May 1, in Vicálvaro (Plaza del Cordel de Pavones), a historical reenactment will be held at 5:30 p.m. At that time, this district was part of a key route for the troops, playing a very relevant role during the War of Independence.

The next day, the district of Fuencarral – El Pardo will have its own reenactment at 12:30 p.m. in the open-air auditorium of Vaguada Park.

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 at the Puente del Rey esplanade to relive the popular uprising.

Móstoles

As is customary every year, Móstoles, whose role in the declaration of the War of Independence was crucial, celebrates its traditional May 2 festivities with concerts and activities, including two historical reenactments.

The first reenactment will take place on Thursday, May 1, at 12:00 p.m. Through customary scenes, the uprising will be portrayed. It will start in Parque Cuartel Huertas and end in Plaza de España.

On May 2, 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.