The Villa de Santa Brígida is set to relive the Battle of El Batán, a pivotal episode in the history of the Canary Islands. Until July 5, residents and visitors can journey back to 1599, the year when local militias and the population successfully halted the advance of the Dutch forces led by Pieter van der Does. The event, organized by the Santa Brígida City Council, honors this historical milestone.
The program kicks off this Thursday with the inauguration of the exhibition 'Cautivos del turco' (Captives of the Turk) at the Municipal Library, by Víctor Bello. This exhibition, sourced from the Historical Archive of Teguise, addresses the dramatic Barbary and Ottoman pirate raids of the 16th and 17th centuries, the fate of Canarians enslaved in North Africa, and the work of redemption orders.
Among the scheduled activities, next Tuesday will feature the presentation of the novel 'Gesta' by Juan Carlos Domínguez, which recounts the clashes between Canarian militias and invading powers. On Wednesday, 'Guardianes de nuestros hijos' (Guardians of our Children) by Juan Gabriel Santiago Casañas will be presented.
On Thursday, July 2, from 9:00 AM to 11:30 AM, a guided walk of approximately 5.5 kilometers will take place along the Batalla del Batán battlefield. The official chronicler of Gran Canaria, Juan José Laforet, will explain the strategic importance of the site in the island's defense. In the afternoon, Fernando Bruquetas de Castro Bruquetas, Professor of Modern History at the ULPGC, will present 'Genealogías de la Inquisición de Canarias. Tomo I' (Genealogies of the Inquisition of the Canary Islands. Volume I), a study on lineages and social control mechanisms employed by the Holy Office Tribunal.
On Friday, July 3, a delegation from the Light Infantry Regiment 'Canarias 50', the direct successor to the Canary Militia Regiments established by King Felipe II, will hold a solemn military ceremony honoring the militiamen and islanders who lost their lives in the Battle of El Batán.
During the weekend of July 4 and 5, the Municipal Park will be transformed into a large historical camp, allowing the public to discover daily life in the Canary Islands in the late 16th century. On Saturday night, July 4, the streets of the town center will host the grand theatrical reenactment of the Battle of El Batán, recreating the 1599 confrontation.
