A University of Valladolid study has documented riots and smuggling in the city during the Restoration period, linked to the consumos tax, which led to five deaths between 1890 and 1905. Historian Jesús Ángel Redondo examines everyday tax resistance through smuggling of wine and meat. The clashes reveal a marginal side of Valladolid contrasting its monumental image.
Jesús Ángel Redondo, a professor at the University of Valladolid, publishes in the journal Hispania the article 'Resistencia fiscal cotidiana en la España de la Restauración: un análisis del matute en Valladolid entre 1890 y 1905'. The study details how smugglers trafficked goods like wine, must, fresh meat, bacon, hams, and sausages to evade the consumos tax, a municipal levy on consumer goods similar to today's VAT.
In 1894, Valladolid's consumos vigilantes numbered over 150 agents, some on horseback and armed with carbines, sabers, or revolvers. Redondo explains: «The conflict occurred when the smuggling was discovered. [...] A vigilante intercepted a smuggler, who resisted violently, and the vigilante used his weapon.» Between 1890 and 1905, five people died in these clashes.
Incidents included riots in 1902, when residents defended a woman mistreated by vigilantes; in 1903, a 'battle' with stone-throwing over wine skins; and in 1912, the destruction of a checkpoint over the coal tax. Redondo highlights corruption cases, like the 'Zaqueos' family, and notes smuggling caused «continuous conflict, violence, and instability».
The Canalejas government phased out the tax in 1911, though some municipalities kept similar levies. The historian argues these events shaped fiscal and political debates, reflecting public order and collection efficiency issues.
