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.
Date April 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]