Second Battle of Acentejo facts for kids

The Second Battle of Acentejo was an important fight that happened on December 25, 1494. It was part of the Spanish conquest of the Canary Islands. This battle was between the invading Spanish army and the native people of Tenerife, called the Guanches.

This battle happened after another fight called the Battle of Aguere. That battle took place in November 1494 and was a victory for the Spanish.

The Battle Unfolds

This old pine tree in La Victoria de Acentejo was there during the battle.

The Spanish forces kept moving along the northern coast of Tenerife. They were chasing the remaining Guanche fighters. The two sides met again in the Valley of Taoro, near Acentejo. This was the same place where the first big battle had happened. The Spanish called that first battle "La Matanza," meaning "The Slaughter."

Alonso Fernández de Lugo, who was a military governor, led the Spanish. He split his army into two groups. The Spanish soldiers with firearms had a big advantage. After about three hours of fighting, the Guanches were defeated. Many were captured, while others ran away into the mountains.

A Spanish Victory

The Spanish soldiers cheered loudly, shouting "Victory! Victory!" Alonso Fernández de Lugo celebrated their win. He built a small church, called a hermitage, at the battle site. It was named in honor of "Our Lady of Victory."

A town later grew up around this church. It was named La Victoria de Acentejo, which means "The Victory of Acentejo."

An old Canary Island pine tree still stands in La Victoria de Acentejo today. This tree was there during the battle. The first church service was held under its branches on the day of the battle. Later, a bell was hung from its branches because the new church didn't have a bell tower.

The Guanche leader, or mencey, named Bentor, is said to have jumped from the cliffs of Tigaiga [es] after hearing about the battle's outcome.

Aftermath and Peace

The Second Battle of Acentejo was a very important fight. It helped the Spanish take control of Tenerife. The island then became part of the Kingdom of Castile. This battle also led to the Guanches finally being brought under Spanish rule.

The conquest of Tenerife officially ended in the Orotava Valley on July 25, 1496. This happened with a peace agreement called the Treaty of Los Realejos [es]. It was signed between the Taoro mencey and Alonso Fernández de Lugo. To celebrate this peace, the first Christian church on the island was built. It was named Parroquia Matriz del Apóstol Santiago, honoring the patron saint of Spain.

See also

In Spanish: Segunda batalla de Acentejo para niños