COMMUNITY EMBRACES TIES WITH SPAIN FOR ANNUAL GÁLVEZ DAY

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 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 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

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.

Sacred Heart Cathedral School 5th grader, Julie Mott, recites her winning essay at the Gálvez monument ceremony.

de Gálvez, an organization that sponsors and supports participation in various cultural, civic, historical and patriotic ceremonies, events and parades.

By 2013, the Pensacola Chapter of Sister Cities International (SCI), welcomed Macharaviaya as a member. Founded in 1956, SCI is dedicated to fostering people to give expression to common desires of friendship, goodwill and cooperation for a better world.

In March, 2016, the Pensacola Heritage Foundation, (PHF) announced plans to create the world’s largest monument of Bernardo de Gálvez. During Gálvez Day, 2018, PHF unveiled the statue of Gálvez on horseback. Created by local sculptors Bob Rasmussen and Kathryn R. Vincze, the statue sits at Palafox and Wright Streets in downtown Pensacola.

This year’s distinguished guests included Francisco Salado, President of Málaga Provincial Government; Victor Manuel González, Provincial Deputy; Antonio Roche, Manager, Cultural Affairs; Ana Puga, Chief of Staff of the Presidency Provincial Government; Antonio Campos, Mayor of Macharaviaya; José Postigo, Macharaviaya City Council member; Juan José Jimenez, President of the Commonwealth of Axarquia and Mayor of Viñuela; and Diane Buck, Founder and Director of Intercultural Connections (previously Direct Dynamics), a private educational enterprise operating in Spain since the 1980s. Intercultural Connections collaborates with Spanish and American universities, foundations, municipal and regional institutions to create unique educational and cultural programs in Spain for American college students, teachers, and lifetime learners. Diane Buck served as translator for the Spanish visitors. Transportation for international guests was graciously provided by Wesley Odom’s Go Retro buses. Odom’s son, Trevor, also assisted with translation services for the honored guests.

This year’s Gálvez Day celebration was made possible through the labors of co-hosts, Sister Cities International and the Pensacola Heritage Foundation as well as individuals, businesses, and other organizations. The itinerary included visiting Ft. Pickens, part of the Gulf Islands National Seashore, followed by a dip in the Gulf of Mexico. Nancy Fetterman hosted a special tour and lunch at the Naval Aviation Museum and National Flight Academy. The special guests also met with Pensacola Mayor Grover Robinson and socialized with locals at Seville Quarter.

Also on the agenda was a special tribute at the Gálvez statue. Sixteen uniformed members of the Sons of the American Revolution, from chapters in Florida, Alabama and Georgia marched down Palafox from Fort George to the Gálvez monument where PHF President, Barbara Fitzpatrick emceed the ceremony. Mayor Robinson gave opening remarks, recognizing all special guests. Students from Episcopal Day School’s (EDS) third through seventh grade waved Spanish flags and swelled the audience. Some students serenaded the audience in Spanish. “Our sixth graders had been practicing since April,” said EDS teacher, Jill Robinson.

School essay contests ensure that future generations will remember Gálvez’s contributions. “All 5th graders in both counties are encouraged to submit an essay about Gálvez,” said Sister Cities International President, Nan Harper. This year’s $100 scholarship winner was Julie Mott, Sacred Heart Cathedral School who presented her essay in front of the statue.

PHF also provides two $1,000 scholarships. The 2022 Santa Rosa County student winner was Sage Hall, Gulf Breeze High School. Escambia County’s winning essay was written by Donovan Kane, Pensacola High School.

Immediately following the tribute, guests enjoyed a feast inside The Grand Hall at McGuire’s Irish Pub. Gifts were exchanged and the newly published “Faces of Transatlantic Friendship” was announced. Diane Buck’s collaborator, José Aguliar, Spanish artist and friend of Pensacola had proposed a tenyear anniversary book containing photos showcasing the historical, cultural and diplomatic ties linking the two countries. On Saturday, May 7, Frank Patti, Jr. graciously hosted the annual wreath-laying ceremony. His family’s iconic shrimp boat, the Captain Joe, took guests out to Pensacola Pass. There, Father John Licari blessed the wreath in a solemn ceremony memorializing those who lost their lives during the battle of 1781. Afterwards, Father Licari and Frank Patti provided live entertainment while guests enjoyed lunch and a leisurely cruise back to Patti Marine Enterprises.

While the faces may change, the historical connection between Pensacola and Spain will remain through our celebration of Gálvez Days. •

From left, C. Flack Logan, Daniel Stomp, and Joe Gilchrist share memories and laughter during Gálvez social hour at Seville Quarter.

Honored guests are surprised by an unexpected visit from Don Tristán de Luna at McGuire’s Irish Pub. From left, Macharaviaya Mayor Antonio Campus, Diane Buck, Intercultural Connections, Pensacola Mayor Robinson, Macharaviaya Councilman José Postigo, Don Tristán de Luna, Honorary Consul of Spain for Pensacola Maria Davis, Juan José Jimenez, President of the Commonwealth of Axarquia and Mayor of Viñuela, and Lipo Davis.