La Matanza de Acentejo facts for kids

Quick facts for kids La Matanza de Acentejo
Municipality
Flag Coat of arms
Municipal location in Tenerife
La Matanza de Acentejo Location in Tenerife Show map of Tenerife La Matanza de Acentejo Location in Canary Islands Show map of Canary Islands La Matanza de Acentejo Location in Spain, Canary Islands Show map of Spain, Canary Islands
Country	Spain
Autonomous community	Canary Islands
Province	Santa Cruz de Tenerife
Island	Tenerife
Area
• Total	14.11 km2 (5.45 sq mi)
Elevation	425 m (1,394 ft)
Population  (2018)
• Total	8,956
• Density	634.73/km2 (1,643.9/sq mi)
Climate	Csb

La Matanza de Acentejo is a town located on the northern coast of Tenerife, which is one of the beautiful Canary Islands in Spain. It's about 10 kilometers (6 miles) east of Puerto de la Cruz and 20 kilometers (12 miles) west of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, the island's capital city. The town's name, "La Matanza de Acentejo," means "the Slaughter of Acentejo" in Spanish. This name comes from a big battle that happened here in 1494, where the Spanish army lost.

The town has a population of about 8,956 people (as of 2018) and covers an area of 14.11 square kilometers. It sits at an elevation of 425 meters (about 1,394 feet) above sea level. The main highway, TF-5, goes right through the town.

La Matanza de Acentejo is made up of several smaller areas, including:

• La Matanza de Acentejo (the main town)
• Guia
• Las Breñas
• El Caleton
• Acentejo
• San Antonio
• San Cristobal

A Look Back in Time

Before the Spanish arrived, the area of Acentejo was part of a native kingdom called menceyato of Taoro. The people who lived there were called Guanches.

The Battles of Acentejo

Two very important battles took place here in 1494. The first one, known as the First Battle of Acentejo, was a terrible defeat for the Spanish soldiers led by Alonso Fernández de Lugo. This battle happened in a place the Guanches called Farfan, which is now known as Barranco de San Antonio. Because of this big loss, the area was named La Matanza, meaning "The Slaughter."

Later, a second battle, the Second Battle of Acentejo, happened. This time, the Spanish won. After their victory, the town of La Victoria de Acentejo was founded nearby.

Special Buildings

Currently, a special building is being constructed in the plaza of El Salvador's municipality. It will be a smaller copy of the inside of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. According to Christian tradition, this is where the body of Jesus Christ was placed after he was crucified. This new room will also have a copy of the Shroud of Turin, which is a famous cloth from Italy.

Population Over the Years

Famous People

• Antonio de Benavides, who was a governor of Spanish Florida.

See also

In Spanish: La Matanza de Acentejo para niños