The City of Pensacola is celebrating the legacy of General Bernardo de Gálvez in a series of events next week.
When Spain declared war on Great Britain in 1779, Gálvez began planning a military campaign against the British, capturing Pensacola, Mobile, Biloxi, and Natchez with little more than 500 soldiers and only two ships.
His greatest military accomplishment was a victory over the British forces when he attacked Pensacola and took the city by land and sea, which proved to be one of the longest battles of the American Revolution, lasting from March 9 to May 8, 1781.
Friday, May 10
9 a.m. The Daughters and Sons of the American Revolution will march from Fort George down Palafox Street to the Gálvez statue at Palafox and Wright Streets. A brief ceremony will be held with remarks from Mayor Antonio Campos of Macharaviaya, Spain (Gálvez’s hometown), Mayor D.C. Reeves, and a special song and dance from the students at Episcopal Day School.
10 a.m. Following that ceremony, the group will walk to St. Michael’s Basilica for a service.
11 a.m. Public luncheon at the Pensacola Yacht Club, 1897 Cypress St. Reservations and pre-payment are required. That can be accessed at: bit.ly/galvez2024.
3 p.m. Wreath laying ceremony at the Minuteman statue at Veteran’s Memorial Park, 200 S. 10th Ave.
Saturday, May 11
10 a.m.-2 p.m. The UWF Historic Trust is hosting a public day to celebrate Gálvez with activities in the Historic Village, which is found around 205 E. Zaragoza St. This includes Spanish soldiers, colonial cooking, games and candle dipping. The Museum of History and Historic Pensacola Village will be free to the public.