The commemorative event will take place this Monday in Almería's Plaza Vieja, honoring the 22 liberal constitutionalists, popularly known as 'Los Coloraos', who were executed 202 years ago. This year, the ceremony holds special significance as it occurs at the foot of the monument where the mortal remains of these martyrs have rested since last October 9th.
The bones, whose whereabouts were lost for approximately 80 years after the destruction of the monolith that housed them during the Franco regime, were placed under the monument known as 'El Pingurucho', declared a Site of Democratic Memory. Their recovery and scientific ratification were due to the work of historian Carmen Ravassa.
The traditional floral offering, held annually on August 24th in front of the commemorative column, will feature the presence of the remains of those who rebelled against the absolutist regime of Fernando VII to restore the constitutional system inspired by the Constitution of 1812.
The official commemoration will begin at 10:00 AM at the Almería City Council with a speech by the dean of the Faculty of Law at the UAL, Fátima Pérez, who has been chosen as this year's orator. Following the reading of the proclamation, the mayoress of Almería, María del Mar Vázquez, will introduce the speaker.
Subsequently, the municipal corporation, the orator, and attending authorities will proceed to lay red roses and laurel wreaths before the monument. The Municipal Music Band is also expected to play the anthems of Almería, Andalucía, and Spain.
This anniversary commemorates the expedition of the 22 liberal constitutionalists, who landed in Almería 202 years ago from Gibraltar, intending to incite its inhabitants to rise against the absolutist regime of Fernando VII and restore the constitutional system. Their attempt ended with their capture and execution.
