La Librea de Valle de Guerra Celebrates Official Recognition as Canary Islands Tourist Festival
La Librea de Valle de Guerra, recently named a Festival of Tourist Interest of the Canary Islands, will host its annual historical reenactment of the 1571 naval battle this Saturday in La Laguna.
La Librea de Valle de Guerra has cemented its status as one of the Canary Islands' most important cultural events. This year, the festival received the official title of "Festival of Tourist Interest of the Canary Islands," building on its long-standing recognition as an Asset of Cultural Interest.
This Saturday, October 17, the municipality of La Laguna will host the historical reenactment of the 1571 naval battle, starting at 9:00 p.m. near the Church of Nuestra Señora del Rosario. The 80-minute performance serves as a tribute to the Canarian soldiers who fought under Francisco Díaz Pimienta during the conflict between the Holy League and the Ottoman Empire. Organizers have prepared 1,200 seats for the audience, including dedicated spaces for those with reduced mobility.
The event is a massive community effort, involving nearly 250 people, including over 100 local residents who perform in historical roles. Based on a script by Juan Cairós and adapted by the Association of Friends of La Librea, the show features live music from the Nuestra Señora de Lourdes Band and meticulously maintained costumes and props.
The festival is deeply rooted in the local religious calendar, which began on October 7 with the procession of the Virgin of the Rosary. La Laguna’s mayor, Luis Yeray Gutiérrez, reaffirmed the city's commitment to the event, calling it a vital part of the island's theatrical heritage. This year’s official poster, designed by Daniel González, honors the occasion by blending oil painting with imagery of John of Austria’s flagship against the local landscape.