Popular legend tells the tale that Bailén’s heroine, born in Porcuna and married to Bailén born Luis Domingo Cobo Muela, lived in the “Las Eras” street, nowadays known as “Sebastián Elcano” street.
“La Culiancha” (Literally, The Wide Bottomed), nickname bestowed upon her due to her ample hips, just like the rest of the people of Bailén was an active part in the battle of 1808. They contributed an element that became increasingly scarce and necessary the longer the battle went on, water.
Our protagonist showed steadiness and courage when, when she was offering water from her small jug to General Reding, a bulled broke it. And, unperturbed, she picked up the broken pieces still holding some liquid to offer to the General, who praised her for her efforts.
The 7th of March of 1809, just eight months later, María Bellido passed away, turning into the legend she is today.
Bailén honours her by keeping her memory alive. The street where she lived is now dedicated to such purpose, where a plaque stands on the front of the building that had once been her home, built on the hundredth anniversary of the Battle of Bailén, containing the following inscription: “From the workers of Bailén to María Bellido, embodiment of bravery and charity in the centenary of her heroic deed: 19th of July of 1808-1908.”
However, nowadays we cannot ensure her existence, as she may have been forged as homage to every water-bearing woman that partook in the battle, carrying jugs of water to the Spanish troops. Meanwhile, the French troops did not count with such resource, dying of thirst, heat, and the misfiring artillery caused by the inability to cool it down due to the lack of water to spare for such purpose (We must account for the fact that they used gunpowder to light the ammunition of the weapons).
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