Cincomarzada facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Cincomarzada |
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| Part of First Carlist War | |||||||
 Soldiers and citizens shooting at retreating Carlist soldiers. |
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| Belligerents | |||||||
.svg){kind=small} Carlists |
Liberals |
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| Commanders and leaders | |||||||
| Juan Cabañero y Esponera | None, spontaneous uprising | ||||||
| Strength | |||||||
| 2,800 infantry men 300 cavalry men |
Unknown | ||||||
The Cincomarzada was a failed attempt by the Carlists to take over the city of Zaragoza in Spain. This event happened on March 5, 1838. Today, it is a special holiday in Zaragoza. People celebrate the brave actions of the city's people during the First Carlist War.
Why Zaragoza Was Important
Zaragoza was a very important city. It had a good number of Liberal troops protecting it. The Carlist army was thought to be far away. Because of this, most of Zaragoza's soldiers were sent away in February 1838. They went to help another army. This army was fighting against Basilio Garcia's group. Garcia was trying to reach a region called Maestrazgo. He wanted to join forces with another Carlist leader named Cabrera.
When Cabrera found out that Zaragoza had very few soldiers, he saw an opportunity. He sent Juan Cabañero y Esponera to capture the city. Cabañero had 2,800 foot soldiers and 300 horsemen. His main goal was just to steal valuable things from the city. He knew his men were not enough to hold Zaragoza for a long time.
The Battle for Zaragoza
On the night of March 5, 1838, Juan Cabañero's troops entered Zaragoza by surprise. They took control of most of the city. However, the people of Zaragoza bravely fought back. They resisted the Carlist soldiers. News also spread that the city's regular soldiers were returning. Faced with this strong resistance and the returning troops, the Carlists quickly ran away.
After the Carlist army failed, Zaragoza was given a special title. It was called "Siempre Heroica," which means "Always Heroic." A street in the city was also named after this important day. It is called "Cinco de Marzo," or "Fifth of March."
Fun Facts About the Day
There is a funny story about Juan Cabañero. It is said that after he took over the city, he ordered a hot chocolate. But he had to run away before he could even taste it!
Later, in 1840, Cabañero joined the Liberals. He returned to Zaragoza as part of the Liberal Army. They were fighting against Cabrera. When the people of Zaragoza saw him, they shouted, "Cabañero, your chocolate is already cold!"
See also
In Spanish: Cincomarzada para niños
