Hundreds of people gathered in the Barranco de Santos in Santa Cruz de Tenerife last night (Friday) as the city travelled back 229 years to relive one of the most important moments in its history – the British invasion led by Admiral Horatio Nelson in 1797.

The annual historical re-enactment marked the 229th anniversary of the Gesta of 25th July, recreating the dramatic battle in which Spanish forces successfully defended Santa Cruz from a British assault.

A night of history brought to life

The event transported spectators to the evening of 24th July 1797, when more than 1,100 British troops, commanded by Admiral Nelson, prepared to attack Santa Cruz.

The assault began near Castillo Negro, but rough sea conditions hampered the landing. By the early hours of 25th July, British troops had reached the shore, where they were met by around 1,600 Spanish soldiers under the command of General Antonio Gutiérrez.

During the battle, Nelson was seriously wounded by grapeshot shortly after coming ashore, resulting in the loss of his right arm.

Despite further British reinforcements landing near the Barranco de Santos, Spanish defenders forced them to retreat towards the Convent of Santo Domingo, where they were eventually surrounded and defeated.

 

Spectacular re-enactment

More than 75 historical re-enactors from the Historical-Cultural Association of the Gesta of 25th July 1797 took part in this year's performance, joined by members of the Fixed Regiment of Puerto Rico, militia groups from other municipalities and the "Doce de Su Majestad" garrison from La Palma.

The evening began at El Cabo Bridge, following a video-mapping projection on the façade of the Museum of Nature and Archaeology (MUNA), which told the story of Santa Cruz's defence before the battle scenes unfolded.

Blank musket fire, simulated cannon exchanges and clouds of gunpowder smoke recreated the atmosphere of the fierce fighting, giving spectators a vivid glimpse into one of Tenerife's defining historical moments.

Remembering a decisive victory

The re-enactment concluded outside the Palacio de Carta, where the symbolic British surrender was staged, mirroring events that took place at around 6:30am on 25th July 1797.

Following the surrender, the British forces were allowed to withdraw with military honours after agreeing not to attack the Canary Islands again.

The victory remains one of the proudest chapters in the history of Santa Cruz de Tenerife and is commemorated every year through the city's colourful and increasingly popular historical celebrations.