“El Oso y el Madroño”, means "the bear and the strawberry tree" and is located in Madrid's Puerta del Sol. The statue acts as the symbol for the capital of Spain, though the question is frequently posed, why the bear and the strawberry tree? There are several theories as to why this now iconic concept was materialized, and this following possible theory should speak to your imagination.

Originally Madrid was thought to be named Ursa, which in Latin means, "bear". The area had at one time been a frequent spot for bears that used to inhabit the nearby forest. Within this forest there were "madroño" trees which resemble strawberries and hereby hence the name and symbol you see frequently around Madrid.

Weighing over twenty tons, this statue is not going anywhere in a hurry yet still worth a visit and as most tourists end of their trip, they will habitually have a souvenir photograph of “El Oso y el Madroño”.

Being from Madrid and born in the capital I have always wanted to give a gift to the beautiful and notorious "El Oso y el Madroño", but I question: when is his birthday? and what would I give to a huge stone bear? what would excite a huge heart of stone?

Weekly I pass through Puerta del Sol and here I timidly approach the statue, and as tourists inhabit his space I cannot ask, has anyone ever given you anything? sometime?And what? So now is time I have to take this initiative to relay a sentiment at his feet, or rather onto his pedestal.

Logically and by nature depicting bears have a very sweet tooth, decisively I will take a tray of nougat or marzipan and at night, when the bears day is done and when Puerta del Sol is sleeping , he will surely take his sweet snack as he prepares for his sweet hibernation, rest and devour until dawn and arrival of the first tourists.