May 2nd, 1808

The charge of the Mamelukes, Goya.
[The Mamelukes were an elite corps formed by Turks serving Napoleon]
Execution of the Madrid's defenders, Goya.

To the popular heroes of the May 2nd, 1808, who quarrelled in this same place for the first time against Napoleon troops. Círculo de Bellas Artes. 1908.

Today is the anniversary of the rebellion of the Spanish patriots against the French invaders, which is considered as the beginning of the Peninsular War. As snipfer writes, this makes everyone -oops, I had written it wrong...- thinks ... a lot.

Democratic Union of Students (UDE) considers that May 2nd, instead of the Madrid Autonomous Community Holiday, should be National Day, as "it is the 1st demonstration of the Spanish national sentiment". I agree, although I would like to make it compatible with the holiday of October 12th, which actually is the National Day.

Others remembering: Prevost.

Technorati Tags: 2 de mayo, Spain, Madrid, Napoleon.