Itzel Rivera Madrid

Madrid

Updated Sunday, February 18, 2024-13:51

As planned, at exactly 1:00 p.m. the controversial

mascletà

began in the area of ​​Madrid Río. More than 3,500 people have come to the Puente del Rey to enjoy a show that, however, has been surrounded by controversy until the last minute. And the one that the mayor of the capital, José Luis Martínez-Almeida, confirmed minutes before that

he would not attend as a sign of mourning after the death of two women this

morning in a fire that occurred in the Juan XXIII nursing home, in the Madrid district. from Aravaca. A tragic event in which another woman has been seriously injured.

"We understand that today is a day of mourning and sadness. But let me tell you that it will be a great day for the people of Madrid," said the councilor

accompanied by the Valencian mayor, María José Catalá

, whom he received at City Hall this morning.

Said and done: at 1:00 p.m. and for seven and a half minutes, the 307 kilos of gunpowder left a true flash of colored clouds and, of course,

the noise of the 3,500 detonations of the spectacle

. Despite the controversy it aroused, the attendance was greater than expected; Applause and cheers greeted and bid farewell to the firecracker fireworks, as well as the 50 Valencian falleras who have traveled to Madrid.

A fence guarded by the Municipal Police divided those who were in favor of this controversial

mascletà

and the animal and environmental associations, who have once again demonstrated against it, throughout the show

. "Almeida, listen, the river is fighting" and "Shame"

, they have shouted tirelessly. There have also been members of the Civil Guard and Firefighters on the perimeter of the Puente del Rey.

At 12:55 p.m. one of the first fireworks went off, causing the logical explosion and agitation on both sides. An agitation that

forced police officers to intervene to calm the atmosphere

.

Dozens of Valencians have traveled from the capital of Turia to enjoy their great party. Yesenia is one of them, and she was very angry about the protesters' demands. "Animals are not going to die," she assured.

"And they don't tell the hunters anything?"

. José has joined her, who has lived in Madrid all his life and has attended this type of events in other cities around the world. "It's something cultural, the people of Madrid have welcomed it very well, look at the atmosphere."