The commemoration of the Gesta of 25 July 1797, organised by the Historical-Cultural Association Gesta of 25 July 1797 in collaboration with Santa Cruz Celebrations, has this year revived one of its most prominent elements: the historical camp, returning to the city after several years of absence from its usual location at the Alameda del Duque de Santa Elena in the city centre.
The camp opened its doors on Saturday at noon with the raising of the flag, the interpretation of the national anthem, and a salute of cannons and rifle fire.
The Mayor of Santa Cruz, José Manuel Bermúdez, expressed his satisfaction at the return of this historical camp this year, “a key element that allows citizens and visitors to immerse themselves in our history”.
“Throughout today, there will be activities for all ages, and various recreations, as well as guided tours will be available,” the mayor added, inviting citizens to participate.
Santa Cruz recovers the historical camp of the Gesta of 25 July 1797. / Fran Pallero
Santa Cruz recovers the historical camp of the Gesta of 25 July 1797. / Fran Pallero
Santa Cruz recovers the historical camp of the Gesta of 25 July 1797. / Fran Pallero
Santa Cruz recovers the historical camp of the Gesta of 25 July 1797. / Fran Pallero
Santa Cruz recovers the historical camp of the Gesta of 25 July 1797. / Fran Pallero
Santa Cruz recovers the historical camp of the Gesta of 25 July 1797. / Fran Pallero
Santa Cruz recovers the historical camp of the Gesta of 25 July 1797. / Fran Pallero
Bermúdez also wished to emphasise the recognition given each year to the contribution of women in the Gesta, “who, although they did not bear arms, showed unwavering bravery and commitment. Their work was decisive in our victory, and it is an honour to recognise their legacy”.
The mayor was accompanied during the visit by the Councillor for the Presidency and the City Centre district, Purificación Dávila, and the President of the Historical-Cultural Association Gesta of 25 July, Andrés Méndez Henley.
Dávila thanked the reenactors for their commitment to the historical camp once again. “It’s a way to energise our district, which comes with the influx of visitors and what it means for local businesses”.
Meanwhile, Méndez detailed the efforts made to restart the camp, “with the aim of helping people to better understand that era and to appreciate what General Gutiérrez’s victory over the English troops meant”.
The guided tours of the camp offer an immersion in the activities and trades of the time, with demonstrations of Engagement Flag, Advancing, Artillery, and Military Instruction. Additionally, trades such as blacksmithing, textile crafting, and a field hospital are recreated, with participation from a fencing school.
The public can also enjoy a recreation of duels with pistols and swords, and an area dedicated to explaining the battle and the role of the Fixed Regiment of Puerto Rico, a group invited for the celebration of the 228th anniversary of the Gesta. The camp will close its doors around 8:00 PM.
The series of events in honour of Saint James the Apostle, the patron saint of the city alongside the Virgin of Consolation, began on Friday 25 July with the Rendering of Honours, the Solemn Eucharist, and the procession, culminating in the Homage to the City Banner which included a spectacular fusilade.
The Military Parade was presided over by the general leader of the Canary Command, Julio Salom, alongside the Mayor of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, José Manuel Bermúdez.
This included a Company of Honour under the command of Infantry Captain Cristian Fernández, along with the Squad of Gallants from the “Tenerife” 49 Infantry Regiment and the War Band No. 2 of the “Canarias” XVI Brigade.
Thus, the Armed Forces paid tribute to those soldiers and militiamen who fought against the attack led by Rear Admiral Horatio Nelson in defence of the city of Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
The day on Saturday concluded with the Night Historical Parade and Recreation, which this year includes a video where the key moments of the Gesta will be narrated in a theatrical style with audiovisual projections on the façade of the Museum of Nature and Archaeology (MUNA) from 9:00 PM.
Subsequently, there will be a reenactment of the British attack on the cannon, the fighting in the Santos ravine, the advance of the English troops along Padre Moore street, their retreat towards the Plaza de la Candelaria, and finally, the battle and surrender in front of the Palacio de Carta.
