Madrid's March for the Republic 2025: “Hasta Que Se Vayan”
Over 30,000 people took to the streets of Madrid in July earlier this year for the annual March for the Republic, united under the defiant motto “Hasta Que Se Vayan”— Until They Go.
12/19/20252 min read
The demonstration began at the Neptune Fountain at noon, with a sea of banners, flags, and homemade signs flowing through the city. It took almost an hour and a half for the march to reach Puerta del Sol Square, a testament both to its size and to the energy that carried it forward.
The atmosphere felt less like an angry protest and more like a carnival. Chants, songs, and rally cries echoed through the streets as people joined in from all over Spain. Among the most memorable slogans were:
“Democracia con reyes, Porsche con bueyes” — democracy with kings is like a Porsche pulled by mules
“Rey ladrón, a prisión” — thief king to prison
“Borbones a los tiburones” — the Bourbons to the sharks
“Uno, dos, tres, república otra vez” — one, two, three, republic again
Spanish, it seems, lends itself naturally to political rhyme — though some playful speculation followed about how English-language movements might sharpen their slogan game.
At Puerta del Sol, a powerful rally unfolded beneath a giant Republican flag. Music took centre stage, with soulful, folk-style songs celebrating the republican tradition and its history. The cultural depth of these performances highlighted a difference in political expression — it is hard to imagine the same musical language emerging in English-speaking protest culture.
The crowd itself reflected a broad and diverse coalition: families with children, punks, rainbow flags, older activists, and first-time marchers mixed easily. Apart from one lone monarchist waving a Spanish flag — swiftly shouted down and sent on his way — the tone remained positive, confident, and inclusive.
After another ninety minutes, the day ended with a final rally and song. As the crowd dispersed, some stayed behind and vented their frustrations on an effigy of the Spanish king — symbolic, theatrical, and very Spanish.
The march offered valuable lessons for republican movements elsewhere: unity across difference, joy as a political force, and a clear focus not only on criticising monarchy, but on articulating the hope and promise of a republic.
Vivan las repúblicas del futuro — long live the republics of the future!
Written by G4AR member Danni Rawlings who travelled to Madrid to take part in the march
