Why are people called cats in Madrid?
The term gata / o, to refer to people born in Madrid, comes from the exploits of a soldier of the troops of Alfonso VI.
Between the years 1082 and 1085, Mayrit (Madrid) went from being under Muslim rule to the hands of the Christians. At this time, legend has it that it was a soldier who, with great agility, climbed the walls of Mayrit city to change the Muslim flag for the Christian one.
Over the years, this nickname (cat) became an illustrious surname, and it was later used to refer to people born in Madrid.
Sign up for our classes and learn much more about the language, culture and history of the Spanish-speaking world.
