Fiesta del Motín in Aranjuez

We invite you to get to know and enjoy one of the most vibrant and exciting popular festivals celebrated in Madrid: the Fiesta del Motín in Aranjuez.

What is the Fiesta del Motín in Aranjuez?

The Mutiny Festival in Aranjuez is a popular festival that has been celebrated since 1981 in the Spanish city of Aranjuez, recalling the historical moment of the Mutiny of Aranjuez, which occurred in March 1808.

Every year, at the beginning of September, scenes of the riot, based on the National Episodes of Pérez Galdós, are represented in all the neighborhoods of Aranjuez.

It has been declared a Festival of National Tourist Interest in 1990 and a Festival of International Tourist Interest in 2014.

How is this festival celebrated?

Annually in the month of September the locals, dressed in period costumes, walk through the streets of Aranjuez illuminated by the torches they carry as they walk, accompanied by the beating of drums.

This festivity is composed of the following events or acts. The program of festivities includes great musical performances, craft markets and bullfighting shows:

Assault on the Palace of Godoy:

With the cry of ¡muera Godoy! a group of people climb up to the windows and railings of the palace "Príncipe De La Paz" (nowadays it is an educational institution), using ladders and ropes. It symbolically represents the assault on the palace and a fireworks display commemorates the burning of Manuel Godoy's house.

Appointment of the "Amotinado Mayor":

Before the beginning of the festivity, the City Council of Aranjuez grants the title of Amotinado Mayor to a notable person or entity, having to give a speech before the staging.

Representation of the mutiny:

About 150 residents of Aranjuez masterfully represent the events that took place in 1808, through dialogues, dances and music.

Pirate Descent of the Tagus:

The locals descend the Tagus River in original and funny boats made by them, from the bridge of the Castle to the bridge of Barcas. These boats symbolically represent the problems of society.

Origins of the Motín de Aranjuez celebration

This festivity dates back to the uprising of May 2, 1808 that took place in Madrid, due to the popular protest against the situation of political uncertainty generated as a result of the Aranjuez mutiny.

It represented the social outburst against the established order in Spain, by means of a surprise assault on the house of Manuel Godoy (first minister of King Carlos IV), by the rioters. This historic event marked the beginning of the fall of the Napoleonic empire.

Curiosities of the Mutiny Festival in Aranjuez

Know some curious and interesting facts about the Fiesta del Motín in Aranjuez:

• The month of September was chosen, so that the festivity would coincide with the celebration of a traditional livestock festival and due to adverse weather conditions in the month of March.
• On September 5, 1982, the first representation of the riot of Aranjuez took place in the patio de Armas of the Royal Palace of Aranjuez.
• In 1984 the figure of the "Amotinado Mayor" was created, who represents the people of Aranjuez.

Recommendations to the visitor

Here are some recommendations and practical advice:

• Wear comfortable clothes and shoes.
• Bike tours near Madrid: Alcalá de Henares, Aranjuez and San Lorenzo de El Escorial.

What else can you see or do in the town if you go to Aranjuez?

Come and visit the old town of Aranjuez, a historic-artistic site declared by UNESCO as a Cultural Landscape of Humanity in 2001:

• Royal Palace of Aranjuez: Herrerian style, with a large parade ground.
• House of the Infantes de Aranjuez: built in the XVII century.
• Casa del Labrador de Aranjuez: neoclassical style building, located within the gardens of the Palace of Aranjuez.
• Other places of interest: Jardín de la Isla, Jardín del Príncipe, Jardín del Rey, Museo de Falúas Reales, Iglesia de la Virgen de las Angustias.

Outstanding local gastronomy

The traditional gastronomy of Aranjuez is characterized by vegetables from the orchard (asparagus, strawberries, strawberries) and game (pheasant, quail, partridges and rabbits). Some typical dishes are the following:

• Rabbit with garlic.
• Asparagus: au gratin, in sauce, scrambled asparagus.
• Stewed pheasant.
• Partridges in strawberry marinade.
• Desserts: strawberry with cream, strawberry tart.

Come and enjoy the Fiesta del Motín in Aranjuez! Share photos, videos and interesting information on social networks. Use the hashtag #Aranjuez