ARCHIVED - November 25 to 27 Military re-enactments to commemorate Juan de Austria in Cartagena
John of Austria was a famed naval commander in the 16th century and led his forces to victory in the Battle of Lepanto
During the weekend of November 25 to 27 a series of events are being held by the “Tercio Viejo” of Cartagena to commemorate Juan de Austria, the half-brother of King Felipe II who arrived in the city in 1575 a national hero after leading his forces to victory in the Battle of Lepanto.
The Tercio Viejo is an association formed to celebrate the military history of Cartagena, and among the events scheduled during the last weekend of the month is a parade of 100 people re-creating the 16th century military presence in the city. Following a conference on November 25, the re-enactments begin on Saturday 26th, when at midday the arrival of Juan de Austria and his followers will be re-created in the Plaza Mayor prior to a march along the Calle Mayor. At 13.00 the Cristo de Lepanto will be delivered in the Plaza del Icue.
At 17.45 the members of the Tercio will attend the hoisting of the flag and a prayer in the Plaza de San Sebastián and then at 19.00 another procession makes its way along Calle Mayor and Puertas de Murcia.
Similar events are programmed on November 27 starting at 11.00 before the celebrations end at 13.00.
Juan de Austria spent significant period of time in Cartagena between 1568 and 1575, as is confirmed by documents in the Municipal Archive, and as a consequence the city became one of the crucial naval ports in the military strategy of Spain. While in the city he attempted to find ways to alleviate the problems caused by the scarcity of fresh and drinking water, as well as creating a brotherhood to venerate the image of the Virgen del Milagro.
For more upcoming events in the Region of Murcia go to the What’s On section of Murcia Today.