American Independence is celebrated in Macharaviaya on the 4th of July
Macharaviaya, located in the region of Axarquía, with no more than 500 inhabitants, has an extraordinary link to American Independence: one of its native sons, Bernardo de Gálvez, played a vital role.
Macharaviaya, located in the region of Axarquía, with no more than 500 inhabitants, has an extraordinary link to American Independence: one of its native sons, Bernardo de Gálvez, played a vital role.
Born on 27th July 1746, his childhood and youth are largely a mystery. It's likely he attended a military school and volunteered in the campaign of Portugal during the Seven Years War. His outstanding performance allowed him to reach the rank of lieutenant at just 16.
When the war ended, Spain and Britain were rival hegemonic powers in North America. To protect the Viceroyalty of New Spain, his uncle José de Gálvez, based in the Americas, called him over in 1769.
Gálvez participated in various campaigns against the Apaches, notable among them the recovery of 2,000 heads of cattle stolen by the indigenous population. Such feats led to his promotion to captaincy of Chihuahua.
Governor of Louisiana
At the request of his uncle, Gálvez returned to Spain for further military training until he was ready for his most ambitious challenge. Bernardo de Gálvez was appointed Governor of Louisiana shortly after the Declaration of Independence.
During the first three years of the American War of Independence, Spain remained neutral, albeit favouring the rebels. Gálvez reiterated Spanish neutrality in the conflict, whilst covertly assisting the Americans.
Spain finally declared war on the United Kingdom on June 21, 1779. Among the ambitious Spanish objectives, Gálvez was tasked with reclaiming Mobile and Pensacola.
Gálvez Town
Once these territories were recovered, he was granted the title of Count of Gálvez, and then continued to reinforce Spanish presence in the Caribbean, expediting the victory of the American colonies and achieving the title of Viceroy.
The municipality of Galveston - its name derived from 'Galvez town' - 8,000km from Macharaviaya and with a population a hundred times larger, became a sister city during the celebrations held a year ago.
Thanks to the Gálvez family, this tiny municipality can boast of hosting Spain's first coeducational public school, the facilities of the Royal Card Factory (which held the monopoly for sales in North America), and the baroque Church of San Jacinto, due to the family's military and political background.
American Independence is celebrated in Macharaviaya on the 4th of July
American Independence is celebrated in Macharaviaya on the 4th of July in honour of General Bernardo de Gálvez's contribution to the country's independence war.
This event, recognised as a provincial singularity, usually takes place on the nearest Saturday to that date. To promote the festivities, a parade is held in the centre of Málaga on the 4th of July to invite everyone to the celebration in Macharaviaya.
The highlight of this festival is a historical military reenactment of the Battle of Pensacola. Additionally, there are parades, music, American food, and the day concludes with fireworks. The festivities involve the Association of Grenadiers and Ladies of Gálvez of Macharaviaya and the Association Torrijos 1831.
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