Why Does Your Nativity Scene Need a Madrid Night Watchman?

Have you ever wondered who kept the streets of Madrid safe before the age of cameras and modern police? Exactly! The night watchmen were the true nocturnal heroes of the city. Dressed in their distinctive gray capes and hats, they were a vital figure in Madrid's life from the 18th to the 20th century. The official Night Watch Corps was established in 1765, though records show this figure existed as early as 1715. But we're not just here to talk history. We're here to show you why your nativity scene needs a night watchman.

The Night Guardian: Who Was the Night Watchman?

The night watchmen were the guardians of the night. Armed with a long pole tipped with iron, a lantern, and a bronze whistle, they patrolled from dusk till dawn. Can you imagine a night without electric lights and danger lurking around every corner? The watchmen not only guarded the streets, but they also opened building doors and called out weather conditions with phrases like "It’s midnight and all is calm!" What made them special? Their distinct cry and whistle were unmistakable, signaling trouble. However, guess what? These signals became so frequent that the police began to ignore them, giving rise to the famous saying "to be as useless as the night watchman's whistle." Irony at its finest!

The Watchman’s Gear: His Uniform and Tools

Night watchmen were easily recognizable by their uniforms and the tools they carried. In their early years, they wore a gray cape and a traditional hat, but their uniforms evolved over time:

⚫ Gray Cape: Initially, they wore a gray cape, which was later replaced by a gray coat in the early 20th century.

⚫ Traditional Hat: The hat remained a constant part of the uniform over the years.

⚫ Iron-Tipped Pole: Used for both defense and to announce their presence by striking the ground with the metal tip.

⚫ Lantern: Although less needed as streetlights became common, it was initially essential for illuminating their path.

⚫ Bronze Whistle: Used to communicate with fellow watchmen and raise the alarm if needed. Its overuse led the police to often ignore the signals, which inspired the phrase "as useless as the night watchman’s whistle."

⚫ Set of Keys: Each watchman carried a set of keys to open building doors for residents returning late at night.

The Night Watchman’s Role: What Did They Actually Do?

⚫ Nighttime Patrol: They patrolled the streets to protect the citizens.

⚫ Theft Prevention: Their presence deterred criminals.

⚫ Fire Alerts: They raised the alarm in case of fire.

⚫ Helping Neighbors: They provided assistance to anyone in need.

⚫ Weather and Time Announcements: They informed people about the time and weather, acting as a kind of "weatherman with a staff."

⚫ Key Keeper: Night watchmen also held the keys to buildings, opening doors for late-returning residents.

The Evolution of the Job: How Did Night Watchmen Change?

Over time, the role of the night watchman evolved. In the mid-19th century, their duties were combined with those of the lamplighters, who lit and maintained the street lamps. During the Franco dictatorship, their role focused on key keeping and maintaining public order. Although the profession nearly disappeared by the late 20th century, some Spanish cities have reintroduced this figure, adapting it to modern times.

No more excuses! Add a night watchman to your nativity scene!

Not having a night watchman in your nativity scene is like having a soccer team without a goalkeeper. It’s that touch of authenticity and historical detail you can’t miss. Plus, can you imagine the surprise of your guests when they see this historical figure? It’ll surely become the conversation topic of the night! "Oh, how original! A Madrid night watchman in your nativity scene! Did you know these guys were the real nocturnal heroes of the city?"

Including a night watchman in your Galdosian nativity scene not only enriches the story but also adds a unique touch. Can you imagine the look on your guests' faces when they discover such an authentic figure?