Canarias 50, the centenary military regiment that represented the islands in Madrid

 

The 50th Canary Infantry Regiment debuted this October 12 in the military parade held in Madrid for Hispanic Heritage Day. More than a hundred members of the regiment traveled to Madrid to represent the corps in the traditional annual parade.

 

 

 

This premiere coincides with the 450th anniversary of the regiment, heir to the Tercio Las Palmas and known as “el del Batán.” The presence of the regiment dates back to the creation of the Tercios de Militias of the Canary Islands promoted by Philip II and in its almost 500 years of history it has memorable actions such as its first action of arms successfully repelling the English squadron of Admiral Drake in 1595, his participation in the Dutch War, defeating Van der Does's squadron in 1599 or repelling Admiral Nelson's attack in Tenerife in 1797, among many others.

 

 

 

 

 

Over the years, the regiment has adapted to the needs of each era and changed its nomenclature until adopting the current one in 1943: Canarian Infantry Regiment 50. From its beginnings, the members of the regiment were considered “forces of front line.”

 

The President of the Government of the Canary Islands, Fernando Clavijo, witnessed the parade of the Canary Islands regiment in Madrid together with Felipe VI.