Battle of Las Queseras del Medio

Battle of Las Queseras del Medio
Part of Venezuelan War of Independence

Arturo Michelena, Vuelvan Caras. The painting depicts the incident in which José Antonio Páez ordered his llaneros to turn around and attack the Spanish cavalry that was pursuing them.
DateApril 2, 1819
Location
Queseras del Medio, Achaguas Municipality, Apure
7°42′25″N 67°58′47″W / 7.70694°N 67.97972°W / 7.70694; -67.97972
Result Patriot victory
Belligerents
Venezuelan Patriots Spain; Venezuelan Royalists
Commanders and leaders
José Antonio Páez Pablo Morillo
Strength
153 cavalry 1,200 cavalry
Casualties and losses
2 dead, 6 wounded 400 dead

The Battle of Las Queseras del Medio was an important battle of the Venezuelan War of Independence. It took place on April 2, 1819.[1] The forces of José Antonio Páez consisted of 153 mounted llanero lancers. They were pitted against more than 1,000 Spanish cavalry. The battle is noted for a phrase of Páez's that became famous: ¡Vuelvan caras! (“About face!”) –although some sources state that he actually said ¡Vuelvan, carajo! (“Get back [to the battle], damn it!”).[2]

  1. ^ The date is disputed; although most sources state that it took place on April 2, José Antonio Páez writes in his autobiography that it took place on April 3.
  2. ^ "Jorge Gómez Jiménez - Aspectos formales de la narrativa". Archived from the original on 2008-04-10. Retrieved 2008-04-21.