“We were asleep we woke up.” These words echo from the Inauguración Plaque here in Madrid. This plaque commemorates the 15-M movement. It is a reminder of a pivotal moment in Spain’s recent history.
The Inauguración Plaque marks the spot where the May 15, 2011 protest movement began. This movement known as 15-M or the Indignados erupted in response to the economic crisis. People took to the streets. Puerta del Sol became the epicenter of their demonstrations. They protested the political parties’ handling of the crisis.
The Inauguración Plaque proposal came from the Ahora Madrid leftist group. They run Madrid City Hall. The Socialists and Ciudadanos also backed it. The plaque’s purpose is to recognize the influence of 15-M on Spanish politics. The movement led to the creation of the Podemos party. Ahora Madrid itself emerged from this movement.
Madrid Mayor Manuela Carmena described 15-M as having an extraordinary impact. She said it helped democratic regeneration in Spain. However not everyone supported the plaque. Cristina Cifuentes the head of the Madrid regional government called it a tasteless joke. She thought it shouldn’t be placed near plaques commemorating the 1808 uprising and the 2004 terrorist attack victims. City Hall clarified that the Inauguración Plaque wouldn’t be placed alongside those memorials.
Hundreds of people attended the Inauguración Plaque’s opening ceremony. They shouted slogans in favor of the 15-M movement. They supported freedom for detained protesters. Solfonica Sol a group known for providing music to the protests since 2011 sang protest songs. Government officials and deputies from Unidos Podemos were also present.
The Inauguración Plaque serves as a permanent reminder of the Indignados. It is a symbol of their demands for change. It stands in Puerta del Sol a place of historical significance. This is also where you’ll find the Kilometre Zero marker. That marker is the geographical center of Spain.
The Inauguración Plaque reminds us that even in a city as dynamic as Madrid it’s important to remember those moments that shaped the country.