Cadiz Prepares To Celebrate The Bicentenary Of “La Pepa”, The First European Liberal Constitution
Cadiz to host numerous cultural events throughout 2012 to celebrate the passing of the first Liberal Constitution in Europe, known fondly as ‘La Pepa’.
2012 will see Cadiz emerge as the must-visit destination of the year. Throughout the year, the city will celebrate the passing of the first Liberal Constitution in Europe, which was enacted on the 19th March 1812, St Joseph’s Day, in the Oratory of San Felipe Neri.
This historic constitution became fondly known as ‘La Pepa’ by the people of Cadiz and for the first time established popular sovereignty, the division of powers, freedom of expression, freedom of press and the universalisation of education; all of which became key to the modernisation of Spain, America and Europe.
The objective of the 2012 celebrations is to foster the economic, social, political and cultural development of the city, underlining the ‘spirit of Cadiz,’ which is both modern in outlook and generous in spirit. The celebration also serves as a reminder of those courageous times when Napoleon’s army invaded Spain and this southern city resisted Napoleon’s advances without ever being conquered.
The city will also celebrate the fact that while the French bombed the city with more than 15,000 missiles, Cadiz’s theatre and drama culture continued to thrive. This is remembered with the classic song line: “con las bombas que tiran los fanfarrones, se hacen las gaditanas tirabuzones” (with the bombs thrown by the braggarts, the Cadiz women make ringlets). A musical reference composed in response to the dropping of a bomb near to the women’s hospital. The bomb was found to contain more lead than gunpowder which the ladies of Cadiz used to style their hair.
The celebrations will continue throughout the year with shows, parades, historical re-enactments, conferences, concerts, boat rallies, fashion shows and food tastings. Cadiz will even relive the flavours of two hundred years ago when, despite the French siege, ice creams and sorbets continued to be enjoyed.
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