For one day, Madrid revives the spirit that led it to rise up against the Napoleonic invasion. The Community of Madrid has prepared a major free historical reenactment for 2026 that allows visitors to fully immerse themselves in the events of 1808, with soldiers, horses, artillery, and battle scenes right in the heart of the city where it all began.
The main event will be a reenactment of the uprising of the people of Madrid against the French occupation on May 2, organized by the Asociación Histórico-Cultural Voluntarios de Madrid 1808-1814, one of the country’s most experienced and meticulous reenactment groups. The main event will take place at Puerta del Sol, the symbolic epicenter of that May 2, where the clashes between citizens and Napoleonic troops will be reenacted with uniforms, flags, and weapons faithful to the period.
Dozens of reenactors dressed as Spanish and French soldiers and Madrid civilians will also participate.
Various venues, one uprising
This year’s official program features different locations and times that, together, tell the complete story of the uprising:
- Puerta del Sol: the focal point of the grand reenactment of the popular uprising, featuring the outbreak of the revolt, the presence of French troops, and the response of the people of Madrid.
- Around the Puente del Rey and Madrid Río: one of the main hubs of the May 2nd Festivities, where the reenactment is combined with family activities and concerts, and where part of the deployment of troops and artillery can be seen.
- Other locations in the region: the Voluntarios de Madrid association itself has announced complementary reenactments in municipalities such as Vicálvaro and Torrejón de Ardoz, thematically linked to the events of May 2, 1808.
In all cases, admission is free until capacity is reached or public spaces become crowded.
A free event as part of the city’s annual festival
This reenactment is part of the program for the May 2 Festivities 2026, which will run from April 30 to May 3 with a packed schedule of concerts, exhibitions, and shows at various locations throughout the region. The esplanade of the Puente del Rey will be one of the main stages, featuring free performances by artists such as Judeline and Alcalá Norte, while Puerta del Sol and other downtown venues will host institutional events and cultural activities related to the anniversary.
In this context, the historical reenactment of the May 2 uprising stands out as one of the highlights of the program: an event for all audiences, with free admission, that allows visitors to experience up close the roar of muzzle-loading rifles, the gallop of horses, and the shouts of the people of Madrid as they faced off against Napoleon’s troops in the very same places where it all happened over two centuries ago.