What is miquelets?

Miquelets were a type of irregular troops that emerged in Catalonia, Spain, during the 18th century. They were mostly peasants and craftsmen who were armed and organized to defend their villages and towns against foreign invasions and internal uprisings.

The name "miquelet" derives from the Catalan word "miquelet," which means "little Michael" and refers to the archangel Michael, who was considered the patron saint of the soldiers. The miquelets were famous for their bravery, mobility, and marksmanship, and they played a crucial role in the War of the Spanish Succession (1701-1714) and other conflicts of the period.

The miquelets were mostly armed with muskets, sabers, and pistols, which they carried on their own expenses. They usually wore a colorful, distinctive uniform that varied from one group to another but typically included a white shirt, a red or blue jacket, a black or brown vest, and a red or yellow sash. They also used to wear a beret or a tricorne hat and a red or blue scarf.

The miquelets were organized in small groups or squads led by a captain and several officers. They had no fixed chain of command, no centralized control, and no regular pay, which made them difficult to control but also highly adaptable and responsive to local needs. The miquelets were a key element of the Catalan national identity and culture, and their legacy survives to this day in many folk songs, legends, and traditions.