The bear is one of the most iconic symbols of the city of Madrid. You will find it everywhere, from public spaces to souvenirs sold in tourist shops.
The bear and the strawberry tree are also featured in the official coat of arms of the city. But have you ever wondered why a bear became such an important symbol for Madrid?
The Legend Behind the Bear and the Strawberry Tree
According to legend, Madrid was founded in the 9th century by Emir Muhammad I of Cordoba. The area where Madrid is located was then covered by dense forests, and it was said that a bear roamed around them. One day, the emir decided to go hunting in these forests, but he got lost and started to feel hungry and thirsty.
As he wandered around, he stumbled upon a clearing where he saw a tree with red berries. He ate some of those berries and quenched his thirst with its sweet juice. Feeling grateful for this discovery, he decided to name this place “Majerit” (meaning “place of many waters” in Arabic) and ordered a castle to be built there.
The Evolution of the Bear Symbol
Over time, the story of the bear and the strawberry tree became popular among locals, and they started using it as a symbol for their city. In fact, there are several versions of this story that have been passed down through generations.
The earliest known use of a bear as an emblem for Madrid dates back to 1212 when King Alfonso VIII led Christian armies against Muslim forces at the Battle of Las Navas de Tolosa. It is said that during this battle, one brave soldier from Madrid carried a banner with an image of a bear on it.
Since then, bears have been used as symbols by various institutions in Madrid such as its football club Real Madrid (whose mascot is a cartoonish bear named Bernabeu) and its municipal government, which uses the bear and the strawberry tree as part of its official coat of arms.
The Bear Statue in Madrid
Perhaps the most famous bear symbol in Madrid is the bronze statue located in Puerta del Sol, one of the busiest tourist spots in the city. The statue was created by sculptor Antonio Navarro Santafe and inaugurated in 1967.
The statue depicts a bear standing on its hind legs while reaching for some berries on a strawberry tree. It has become a popular meeting point for locals and tourists alike, and it is said that rubbing the statue’s paws brings good luck.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the bear has become an important symbol for Madrid due to its legendary origins and historical significance. The story of the bear and the strawberry tree has been passed down through generations, making it an integral part of Madrid’s cultural heritage. Whether you are a resident or just visiting, it’s hard not to feel a sense of pride when seeing this iconic symbol around town.