Community Embraces Ties with Spain for Annual Gálvez Days written and photographed by Julie B. Connerley
Several visitors, both international and from out of state, enjoyed Pensacola’s hospitality, history, restaurants and friendship during our city’s Gálvez Days, May 4 through 8. This annual celebration honors General Bernardo de Gálvez for his triumphant victory over the British in Pensacola during the American Revolutionary War in 1781. “Gálvez Day had humble beginnings,” said Maria Davis, Honorary Consul of Spain for Pensacola since 1984. Davis’s efforts have been instrumental in furthering the bond between Pensacola and Spain for decades. In earlier years, Davis hosted Spanish aviators learning to fly at Naval Air Station Pensacola. As Pensacolians began to learn more about the history of the statue titled “Yo Solo” (I Alone) located at Fort George on North Palafox Street, Gálvez Day expanded to include special tours, school essays, and time to re-connect with friends. Notable are the efforts of Pensacola philanthropist and Public Historian, Nancy Fetterman, who led the charge to have Bernardo de Gálvez declared an Honorary U.S. Citizen. Fetterman’s passion began in 2007 at the suggestion of her long-time Pensacola friend, Molly Long, who married a Spanish aviator. Fetterman researched Gálvez and realized he was an extraordinary
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Sons of the American Revolution representing Florida chapters Pensacola, Marianna and Tampa, as well as Georgia and Alabama chapter members, parade down Palafox Street to the Gálvez Statue.
man whose achievements should be recognized. Initially, Florida’s congressmen and senators were skeptical, but Fetterman pushed on, taking her case to other states that were involved in Spanish conquests to garner more support. Gálvez, a career soldier since the age of 16, was a veteran of several wars fought in Europe, North Africa and the Americas. While Governor of Louisiana, he supported the colonists and their French allies against the British— helping facilitate vital supply lines and frustrating British operations along the Gulf Coast. The Battle of Pensacola eliminated the British naval presence in the Gulf and led to the formal return of all of Florida to Spain. On December 16, 2014, Public Law 113-229 “Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, that Bernardo de Gálvez y Madrid, Viscount of Galveston and Count of Gálvez, is proclaimed posthumously to be
Sacred Heart Cathedral School 5th grader, Julie Mott, recites her winning essay at the Gálvez monument ceremony.
an honorary citizen of the United States.” Fetterman’s ally, then Florida Congressman, Jeff Miller, called her with congratulations that same day. Gálvez is among just eight Honorary U.S. Citizens. Across the Atlantic, Macharaviaya, Gálvez’s birthplace, has joined America’s salute to their native son. Yearly, the residents recognize America’s Independence Day—the only city outside of the U.S. to do so! Organizers parade through Málaga inviting all to attend the festivities in Macharaviaya, just 19 miles away. This picturesque village in the mountains of
Andalusia in the south of Spain has less than 500 residents--but produces a Broadway-worthy re-creation of the 1781 Battle of Pensacola involving dozens of costumed locals. A huge video screen, prominently displayed on the side of a building, allows residents and guests to enjoy all the action. Of course, the program ends with a fireworks show. For more than a decade, Maria Davis has organized yearly trips to Macharaviaya, Spain to celebrate Gálvez. Those who have participated are invited to become members of the Order of Granaderos y Damas
