Statue of Bernardo de Gálvez unveiled in Pensacola to commemorate the war hero

Representatives from the Axarquía highlighted the economic and social opportunities for the area though the Spanish soldier's legacy

AGUSTÍN PELÁEZ

Friday, 11 May 2018, 10:44

Representatives from the Axarquía have taken part in the unveiling of a statue of Bernardo de Gálvez in the city of Pensacola in Florida, USA.

The event coincided with Gálvez Day, celebrated each year on 8 May in the city, to commemorate victory in the battle of Pensacola during the American War of Independence, which Bernardo de Gálvez led, on 8 May 1781.

Social and economic legacy

Bernardo de Gálvez was born in 1746 in the Axarquía village of Macharaviaya and the town hall and residents have close ties with Pensacola.

The president of the group of Axarquía town halls (the Mancomunidad de Municipios de la Costa del Sol Axarquía) Gregorio Campos; Victor González, who is responsible for culture at Malaga's provincial authority; the mayor of Macharaviaya, Antonio Campos; the Spanish consul in Florida, Cándido Creis; and other delegates travelled to Florida for the inauguration which took place on Tuesday.

The mayor of Macharaviaya referred to the economic and social opportunities that Bernardo de Gálvez's legacy has left, saying, We must make the most of this opportunity to establish contacts and create synergies between our companies and the ones in this state, as well as showcasing the attractions of the 31 towns and villages that make up the Axarquía to the authorities and tourist boards here .

The Malaga provincial flag was also presented to mayor of Pensacola, Ashton Hayward. It will be raised in the TT Wentworth Museum, where the most famous painting of Gálvez, alongside a document declaring him an honorary US citizen are on display.

Fourth of July celebrations

Representatives from wine company Bodega Muñoz Molina (Dimobe), based in Moclinejo, also travelled to Pensacola, to present their Gálvez Legacy wines, which will start to be exported to the USA.

Flowers were laid at Fort George in Pensacola, which is where the British surrendered in 1781, to remember the soldiers who died during the battle. Flowers were also laid at the Bernardo de Gálvez museum in Macharaviaya where details of the village's annual Fourth of July celebration were also revealed for this year.

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