Santa Brígida Commemorates Historic Battle of El Batán
Santa Brígida in Gran Canaria held a solemn ceremony on Friday to honour those who defended the island during the significant Battle of El Batán in 1599. The event was attended by Colonel Nicolás González Chamorro, the local mayor José Armengol, and other notable figures, including Miguel Ángel Clavijo Redondo, the General Director of Culture and Cultural Heritage of the Canary Islands.
The battle was a crucial moment in history, halting the advance of the Dutch fleet led by Admiral Pieter van der Does, which sought to seize control of the island and its vital Atlantic trade routes after plundering Las Palmas. The island’s local militias, alongside determined residents, mounted a fierce resistance against the professional military contingent.
A delegation from the “Canarias 50” Light Infantry Regiment, the modern descendants of the historical Canarian militias, participated in the tribute. Colonel González Chamorro noted that the sacrifices made during the battle had far-reaching implications, not just for the Canary Islands but also for Spain’s future and its influence across the Americas.
He recalled Alonso de Alvarado, the military governor during the invasion, who was a seasoned strategist and died heroically in the defence of the island at the age of 60. González Chamorro also honoured Alvarado’s second-in-command, Antonio Pamo Chamoso, who took charge following Alvarado’s death and was instrumental in the victory.
Mayor José Armengol stressed that the commemoration serves as a reminder of the values that should guide contemporary society. He emphasised the importance of peace, coexistence, and respect for national sovereignty, urging that the lessons of the past inspire dialogue over confrontation and understanding over conflict.
While piracy and foreign incursions would continue to threaten the Canary Islands for centuries, the victory at El Batán marked a turning point in their defence. Today, Santa Brígida continues to honour the memory of those who made that triumph possible.
