Anyone staying in Santa Cruz de Tenerife this weekend will have the opportunity to experience one of the most important events in the island’s history up close. From 23 to 26 July, the capital will commemorate the 229th anniversary of the Gesta del 25 de Julio. Historical parades, military reenactments, cannon fire and official ceremonies will recall how the inhabitants and troops of Tenerife repelled a British attack led by Admiral Horatio Nelson in 1797.
Nelson Defeated
More than 75 actors and historical reenactors will take part in the commemorations. They include associations and militia groups from Tenerife and La Palma, as well as members of the Regimiento Fijo de Puerto Rico from Puerto Rico and the United States. Around eighteen kilograms of black powder will be used during the battle scenes. As a result, the area between Plaza de España and Barranco de Santos will temporarily be transformed into a setting filled with smoke, gunfire and eighteenth-century uniforms.
The programme begins on Thursday with a continuous public reading of Luis Cola BenÃtez’s historical novel 1797. Cinco dÃas de julio at the Real Club Náutico. This will be followed by the reenactment of a remarkable moment from the aftermath of the battle: the exchange of wine, beer and cheese between the defeated Nelson and the Spanish commander Antonio Gutiérrez. This courteous treatment of the British troops forms a particularly interesting part of the historical account.
Discovering Traditional Crafts
On Friday, the commemorations will move into the streets of the city centre. Participants will gather at Puente del Cabo, after which several scenes from the attack will be reenacted. A video projection will be shown on the façade of the Museo de Naturaleza y ArqueologÃa, better known as MUNA. The clashes in Barranco de Santos and the eventual British surrender at the Palacio de Carta will then be reconstructed.
On Saturday 25 July, a historical military camp will open at the Alameda del Duque from noon onwards. Visitors will be able to discover traditional crafts, attend fencing lessons, explore a market and take part in other activities illustrating daily life at the end of the eighteenth century. Later in the day, the troops will gather for the traditional procession in honour of Santiago Apóstol, the patron saint of Santa Cruz.
A Glimpse into History
This year, the tourist bus will also be involved in the commemorations. Through a special audio guide, residents and visitors will be able to travel past important locations connected to the defence of the city. This makes it clear that the battle did not take place in just one location, but affected several parts of what is now the city centre.
The commemorations will conclude on Sunday at the Palacio de Carta with the official reenactment of the capitulation. Medals will be presented and the victims of the battle will be remembered. The annual performance has now been held for eighteen years and has been recognised as Intangible Cultural Heritage of the Canary Islands.
The victory also earned Santa Cruz one of the three lion heads featured on the city’s coat of arms. For visitors, the event is not only a spectacular display, but also an accessible way to discover why Nelson’s failed attack remains so important to the identity of the capital.
Photo: AI ChatGPT
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