Yesterday, Castillo Negro brought back to life a significant moment in the history of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, known as the Gesta of July 25th. On that morning, 227 years ago, the English initiated an attack on the city by landing troops at the dock of Castillo Negro. They encountered Spanish forces led by General Gutiérrez, who fought back against the British using pistols and swords. The capture of prisoners by both sides, along with the city’s defenders who had sought refuge in this military fort at the edge of Tenerife’s coast, marked the commencement of the first major battle between the Tenerife militias and the fleet commanded by Admiral Horatio Nelson.
To honour this occasion, the first reenactment of the Gesta took place last night. Over 70 extras donned period uniforms, immersing a part of the city in the scent of gunpowder, in front of a large audience eager to witness this traditional historical event.
Organised by the Historical-Cultural Association Gesta of 25th July 1797, the actors fully embraced their roles to recreate, like a movie, the events of that battle. The formation shots, scaling the heights of the castle, and the palpable emotions, all narrated with a voice-over to guide attendees through the night’s events.
Tonight, commencing at 8:30 p.m., the Barranco de Santos in the capital will be the backdrop for reenacting the second and final clash between English and Spanish troops, followed by a procession through the streets of Candelaria and Cruz Verde, culminating at the Palacio de Carta, in the Plaza de la Candelaria.
