The institutional act closing the commemoration of the 229th anniversary of the Gesta of July 25, 1797 awarded the Medals of the Gesta to the City Council of La Laguna and to Lieutenant General Julio Salom Herrera.
The commemoration of the 229th anniversary of the Gesta of July 25, 1797 came to an end this Sunday in Santa Cruz de Tenerife with the traditional institutional closing ceremony. The event, held on a stage yet to be confirmed, paid tribute to those who contribute to preserving and disseminating one of the most significant episodes in the history of the capital of Tenerife.
During the event, the Medals of the Gesta of July 25 were awarded to the City Council of La Laguna, in recognition of the participation of its battalion of militiamen in the defence of Santa Cruz during the events of 1797. A medal was also awarded to the Lieutenant General in charge of the Canary Command, Julio Salom Herrera, in recognition of his contribution to the preservation and dissemination of the historical and military heritage linked to the anniversary.
Before the medal presentations, the Historical-Cultural Association Gesta of July 25, 1797 granted two special recognitions. The first, a diploma for Magaly Pérez Méndez, president of the Fixed Regiment of Puerto Rico, as a sign of the bond between both entities following meetings held in recent years. The second, a gold insignia to the Garrison of La Palma, represented by the group Los Doce de Su Majestad, for their participation and commitment to the historical recreations that annually commemorate the victory of Santa Cruz against the attack by Admiral Horatio Nelson's fleet.
Additionally, the association presented a commemorative gift and a letter to the mayor of Santa Cruz, José Manuel Bermúdez, highlighting his commitment to the preservation, protection, and dissemination of the city's history, as well as the safeguarding of the legacy of the Gesta of July 25 for future generations.
The ceremony concluded with the traditional tribute to the fallen, accompanied by a performance from the War Band of the Canary Command, which played the anthems of Spain, France, and England, bringing a fitting close to an event recognising the memory, legacy, and values represented by the Gesta of July 25, 1797.
The mayor explained that “the Gesta of July 25 constitutes one of the most important chapters of our history and a source of pride for all Santacruceros. With this event, we conclude a programme that has allowed residents and visitors to appreciate the value of an episode that marked the course of our city and continues to be part of our collective identity.”
The Gesta of July 25, 1797 recalls the victory of the Canary militias, supported by the civilian population, against the British fleet commanded by Admiral Horatio Nelson, which attempted to take the city of Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Each year, for several days, historical recreations, camps, and institutional events are held to keep the memory of this episode alive.
This year's events have included, as is tradition, the historical camp that recreates life in the 18th century, as well as parades and representations of the battle. The closure this Sunday marked the end of a programme that, according to municipal sources, has managed to attract numerous residents and tourists interested in learning about the city's history.
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