May 3, 1860 was an important day in Barcelona. The city received with an epic atmosphere the Voluntaris Catalans and the Arapiles battalion that had triumphed in the African campaign. Their victories had led to the signing of peace, staged in Tetouan on April 26.
They arrived in two boats. There were so many local boats that had arrived ahead of the official reception, which hindered the docking maneuver; The waters of the port were filled with flowers and wreaths.
The city appeared much more decorated than in previous similar celebrations. The sound of the flying bells of all the churches was in unison, which created an intense and joyful atmosphere, while alerting the people of Barcelona that the long-awaited moment had arrived; Suddenly, the houses were emptied and the crowd suddenly filled the itinerary.
The authorities were waiting under cover in a large tent that had been improvised on the first street of Barceloneta. Also present was the excited mother of General Prim, who had commanded the expeditionary campaign. The landing had been most spectacular, amidst thunderous applause and cheers.
In the Pla de Palau, where a large obelisk had been erected, the politician, writer and official chronicler Víctor Balaguer gave the speech of welcome and praise in Catalan. There were quite a few children who delighted in the Voluntari uniform.
Even though it was raining, the citizens had not given up as usual and overflowed the entire route.
The caravan that had been improvised was presided over by a series of chariots with Voluntaris flying spikes. And behind them the rest paraded on foot.
When facing the Rambla and arriving in front of the Barcelona Casino, a building next to the Principal Theatre, the procession stopped to be honored. The president of the society spoke a few words and presented two large crowns, one to the commander of the Voluntaris, Francesc Fort, and another to the Arapiles battalion.
This building of the Casino, a leisure society founded in 1844, was later the headquarters of the Cercle Mercantil and then the Ateneu Barcelonès.
The triumphal march culminated in the Plaza de la Constitución (Sant Jaume).
