From June 25 to July 5, Santa Brígida will become a living stage commemorating one of the most significant defensive episodes in Canarian history. The Battle of El Batán, where island militias halted the advance of Pieter van der Does's Dutch troops, will be the central focus of an extensive program organized by the Santa Brígida City Council.
The program includes various cultural and educational activities. On June 25, the Municipal Library will host the exhibition 'Captives of the Turk', with historian Víctor Bello, addressing pirate incursions and the fate of Canarians sold into slavery, as well as their impact on the islands' defense system.
On June 30, the same library will present the novel 'Gesta' by Juan Carlos Domínguez, focusing on the clashes between Canarian militias and invading powers. On July 1, historian Juan Gabriel Santiago Casañas will present 'Guardians of Our Children', about the survival of enslaved aboriginal Canarians.
On July 2, a guided 5.5-kilometer walk will cover the battle site, with explanations from the official chronicler of Gran Canaria, Juan José Laforet. In the afternoon, Fernando Bruquetas de Castro, Professor of Modern History, will present 'Genealogies of the Inquisition of the Canary Islands'.
On July 3, the Church Square will host a military tribute to those fallen in the battle, presided over by Colonel Nicolás González Chamorro and Mayor José Armengol Martín. Following the ceremony, a communal paella will be served in La Fuente Park.
That same afternoon, a round table moderated by historian Pedro Quintana Andrés will bring together historical reenactment groups from the islands. The day will conclude with a concert by Sephardica at the Cultural Center, recreating music from the 16th and 17th centuries.
On July 4 and 5, the Municipal Park will transform into a historical camp managed by Adhica, showcasing crafts, customs, and fencing demonstrations. The collection 'Witch Stories' will also be presented.
On Saturday, July 4, the company 2RC Teatro will perform the family play 'Like a Cannon Spark', set in 16th-century Canary Islands. Afterward, a grand historical parade will march through the old town, followed by a theatrical reenactment of the Battle of El Batán by the Santa Brígida Theater Workshop.
