Spain Culture News
Spanish royals mark the 200th anniversary of the start of the War of Independence
By h.b.
May 2, 2008 - 7:34 AM

King Juan Carlos I and Queen Sofia, together with the Prince and Princess of Asturias and Duke and Duchess of Palma, will today preside over acts to celebrate the 200th anniversary of May 2 1808, when Madrid rebelled against the French troops. The date, known as the ‘levantamiento' of May 2, is now seen to signify the start of the end of Napoleón Bonaparte in Spain and the start of the war of independence.

The commemorative act to mark the 200th anniversary of the Mostoles Mayors declaration will also be attended by the Prime Minister, José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero and the leader of the opposition, Mariano Rajoy, and takes place in the Plaza del Pradillo in Mostoles.