El abrazo (Madrid) facts for kids
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| Coordinates | 40°24′45″N 3°41′58″W / 40.412412°N 3.699324°W |
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| Location | Plaza de Antón Martín, Madrid, Spain |
| Designer | Juan Genovés |
| Material | Bronze, stone |
| Opening date | 10 June 2003 |
| Dedicated to | Victims of the 1977 Atocha massacre |
El abrazo (which means "the hug" in Spanish) is a special monument in Madrid, Spain. It is also known as the Monument to the Atocha lawyers. This sculpture is a three-dimensional version of a famous painting by Juan Genovés with the same name. It was created to remember the people who were hurt or killed in a terrible event in 1977.
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What is the Monument to the Atocha Lawyers?
This monument is a beautiful piece of public art. It stands in the Plaza de Antón Martín in Madrid. The sculpture shows a group of people hugging each other. This hug represents unity and togetherness. It reminds everyone of the importance of peace and justice.
How the Monument Was Created
The idea for this monument came from a large workers' union called Comisiones Obreras (CC.OO). They asked the City Council of Madrid (the Ayuntamiento de Madrid) to build a memorial. This was to honor the victims of a sad event that happened on January 24, 1977. In this event, several lawyers and a union leader were attacked. Four people died, and four others were seriously injured.
In November 2002, the city approved the plan for the monument. It was decided that the sculpture would be made of bronze. It would be based on Juan Genovés' painting, El abrazo.
Design and Meaning
The monument is quite large. It measures 3.5 meters (about 11.5 feet) across. It stands 4.0 meters (about 13 feet) tall. The sculpture rests on a base made of white stone.
The original painting, El abrazo, was created in 1976. It was used during a time when Spain was changing. People wanted political prisoners to be set free. The image of people hugging showed a strong message of hope and unity. The monument brings this powerful image to life.
The monument was officially revealed on June 10, 2003. It is located very close to where the 1977 attack happened.
A Special Plaque
On January 24, 2007, a special granite plaque was added to the monument. This was on the 30th anniversary of the Atocha event. The plaque has a message in Spanish: "a los abogados de atocha: si el eco de su voz se debilita, pereceremos." This means: "To the lawyers of Atocha: If the echo of their voice weakens, we will perish." This quote is from a poem by Paul Éluard. It reminds us that we must never forget the lessons of the past.
See also
In Spanish: El abrazo (Madrid) para niños
