An interesting conference by Jose Manuel Molina opens the cicle of the fifth Symposium of Andalusian Culture

The group of historical recreation Reding No. 3 put the singular note to the act

February 22, 2008 .-
Organized by the Cultural Forum " Raíces y Horizontes " in collaboration with the Delegation of Culture of the City Council, the V symposium of Andalusian Culture started yesterday organized by this group during the last 15 years. Following introductory remarks by its president Antonio Sáez and the greetings and opening by the area councillor Marina Bravo, the local historian Jose Manuel Molina began his dissertation on a little-known subject: "War of Independence in Andalusia" with special emphasis on what happened in Malaga and particularly in Alhaurin de la Torre.

A long conference of over an hour and a quarter, which was however short to those attending because the amenity expressed by the lecturer and above all, because the novelty of the contributions which he has made in various archives from where he has taken the historical basis for its content.
He spoke of several references of the War of Independence in Andalusia, which this year marks the bicentennial, focusing initially on the issue of the social situation of this era in Andalusia, as well as the existing communications by providing different levels obtained in different archives.

Special emphasis was put on the Andalusian participation in the glorious battle of Bailen which occurred in this town jienense on July 19, 1808, when the Spanish troops of General Castaños, defeated for the first time in history the victorious French forces that so far were invincible, commanded by Marshal Dupont.

The speaker Molina undertook a detailed report of the development of the battle and the involvement of the forces of Andalusia, both civilians, and civilian population of the city, as well as the forces of Theodor von Reding Swiss Regiment No 3, which was based in Malaga.

At this moment gave entry into the assembly hall a group of people dressed up as grenadiers and riflemen of the said regiment; they form the historical recreation group Reding No 3 led by Jon Valera, a young citizen of the town which is alma mater and primary responsible of this group which is also framed within the association "Torrijos for Freedom."

It was the surprise of the day and both Valera and Molina became responsible for instructing the public about the functions and tasks of each component, weapons, supplies, escorts, uniforms and credible portrait that the members of this recreation Group of Historical facts about the war of independence, were portraying. A remembrance of the above regiment, which actually moves by orders in German given by their commanders, as most of its components were Swiss.

Reviewed were the history of the regiment, their participation in the battle of Bailen, uniforms and personalities that made up the procession from the grenadier, musician, rifleman, cantinera, monk and even the aguadora (water carrier) who was responsible for bringing water to combatants in the heat of the battle. Even highlighting the fidelity in the reconstruction, he made sure that there was also represented a component of the group, like Mary Bellido, aguadora who although a bullet ripped through his water jug, gave drink during the Battle of Bailen to the troops of the regiment including general Reding himself.

The speaker also announced the news, that this group of historical recreation will accompany the next Palm Sunday the Brotherhood of Pollinica in its processional parade, recovering a long tradition that took place live in our village in the late nineteenth century.

The conference continued, Molina bringing documents collected in different archives, some unknown as unpublished letters from Andalusian fighters in the battle, as well as others such as the letter from the local superior of the Convent of the Fuensanta to her mother.

He also reviewed the historical facts of the time, such as the conquest of Malaga by the French army, the battle of Cartama between Napoleonic troops and Spanish and even certified the historicity of the skirmish between the two contenders in the so-called meeting of "caracolillos ". Also read the speech of King Joseph I Bonaparte during his entry into Málaga and documented the journey of the said king through our municipality by his presence in the farm El Retiro with certified evidence .

In short, a very interesting conference which ended after acknowledging that he had shortened it in some of its paragraphs because the lack of time, and the lateness of the hour. It was very praised by all participants.

The director of the forum "Roots and Horizons" Antonio Saez presented them with a plaque, both to him and Jon Valera and with it concluded the event.

On Friday 22 from 21.00 hours , a conference will be held, "History of a flag," by Manuel Lopez Mestanza, local historian focusing on the origins of the Andalusian flag and act "Andalusia sings to his eight provinces "by the folkloric Association " Roots and Horizons. "

The show days will finalized next Wednesday on 27. From 20.30 a concert will take place on the andalusian music by the rondalla "Mare Nostrum" then continue with the V Pregón of Day of Andalusia delivered by Sanz Luis Bravo, head of communications at the town hall.

The day will close with the words of Mayor Joaquin Villanova and singing of the anthem of Andalusia