The Madrid bear is a cultural and historical symbol of the capital city of Spain. This animal has been an emblem of Madrid for centuries and is featured prominently throughout the city in many different ways. Let’s take a closer look at the fascinating history and significance of the Madrid bear.
Origins
The story goes that the first recorded sighting of a live bear in Madrid was in the 13th century. It is said that a group of hunters caught a bear near the Manzanares River, which flows through the city.
The bear was then presented to King Ferdinand III, who ruled over Castile at that time. The king was so pleased with this gift that he decided to include a bear in his coat of arms, which became an important symbol for his kingdom.
The Bear and the Strawberry Tree
Over time, the image of a bear holding onto a strawberry tree became associated with Madrid. This tree is native to Spain and produces small red fruits that resemble strawberries. The combination of these two elements became known as the “Bear and Strawberry Tree,” which is still used today as an emblem for Madrid.
Madrid’s Coat of Arms
The official coat of arms for Madrid features several elements, including seven white stars on a red background, which represent the constellation Ursa Minor (the Little Bear). In addition to this, there are also two bears standing on their hind legs holding onto a strawberry tree between them. This design has been used since 1967 and can be seen all over Madrid on flags, buildings, and other structures.
The Bear Statues
One of the most popular symbols of Madrid is the statue of El Oso y El Madroño (The Bear and Strawberry Tree), which can be found in Puerta del Sol – one of Madrid’s most famous squares. The statue depicts two bronze bears standing on their hind legs, each holding onto a strawberry tree branch. This monument has become a popular meeting place for locals and tourists alike.
The Madrid Bear in Popular Culture
The Madrid bear has also been featured in popular culture, including in movies and TV shows. For example, the bear statue in Puerta del Sol was used as a backdrop for the opening scene of the 2011 film “Midnight in Paris.” In addition to this, the bear has also been used as a mascot for various sports teams in Madrid.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Madrid bear is an iconic symbol of the capital city of Spain. Its origins date back to medieval times when King Ferdinand III included it in his coat of arms.
The image of a bear holding onto a strawberry tree has come to represent Madrid’s unique culture and history. Today, tourists flock to see the famous statues and monuments featuring this beloved creature all over the city.