Santa Cruz de Tenerife has a rich history, with one of the most remarkable events being the Gesta of July 25, 1797. This date marked a significant victory for the Tenerife troops over the English fleet led by Horatio Nelson, shaping the future of the capital and the island. It was an epic battle led by brave soldiers and volunteers under General Gutiérrez’s command, successfully thwarting the British attempt to land on Tenerife’s coast.
To commemorate the 227th anniversary of this event, the City Council, in collaboration with the Historical Cultural Association Gesta del 25 de Julio and the Tertulia Amigos del 25 de Julio, has arranged a series of activities to educate the citizens about the events that unfolded on this historic date. As a result of this victory, King Charles IV bestowed upon Santa Cruz the titles of Muy Leal, Noble e Invicta, along with a coat of arms.
The Mayor, José Manuel Bermúdez, emphasised that “Santa Cruz will once again have the scent of gunpowder in the air this weekend” and highlighted that “the Gesta remains one of the most significant events in the city’s history. We still have a long way to go, but I am confident that we will relive one of the great historical milestones that led us to be the co-capital of the Canary Islands for 105 years.” The president of the Historical-Cultural Association Gesta del 25 de Julio de 1797, Andrés Méndez, stated that Santa Cruz will once again “echo with the sounds of rifles and cannons as the Barranco de Santos comes alive.” The reenactment of the battles between Tenerife and the English troops will involve over 70 extras from different parts of the Island, including Taganana, La Palma, and Puerto Rico. Additionally, a voice-over will narrate the events for the first time.
The president of the Tertulia Amigos 25 de Julio, Luís García Rebollo, mentioned that “one of the innovations in the planned events will be a biographical projection using artificial intelligence by Carlos Pallés, scheduled to take place today at the Museum of Nature.” Meanwhile, the Councillor for Festivals, Javier Caraballero, expressed gratitude to the various associations and volunteers for their participation “in an anniversary that has unquestionably become a staple in our city’s cultural calendar.”
Lastly, the city’s official chronicler, José Manuel Ledesma, highlighted the significance of the events of July 25, 1797, as “a moment of such importance for the greatness of Santa Cruz that even the heroic participants of the Gesta could not foresee its impact.”
Noteworthy moments included July 29, 1797, “when the authorities and residents gathered at the church of Pilar to designate compatronos to the Holy Cross and the apostle Santiago, whose feast day coincided with the English defeat. Mayor Domingo Vicente Marrero vowed that this event would be celebrated annually.”
The event programme kicks off with the procession of Santiago Apóstol from the church of La Concepción on Thursday at 7:00 p.m. On the 26th at 8:30 p.m., the landing and battle against the English troops will be recreated at Castillo Negro. Saturday at 8:30 p.m. will see the Barranco de Santos hosting the reenactment of the battle between English and Spanish troops, concluding at the Palacio de Carta. Finally, on Sunday at 11:30 a.m., medals of the Gesta will be awarded, the signing of the Capitulation will be reenacted, and tribute will be paid to Gutiérrez.
