002332 Visit since
 |
Bay of Flags map that appears
in the first guide of Vallarta in 1958. | In
reference to chapter XVIII, tome II, Friar Tello narrates, that it was in the
year 1527 when famous Spanish conqueror Hernan Cortes sent his nephew Don Francisco
Cortes de San Buenaventura in a mission to consolidate the conquest of the Northwestern
Tarascan Territory. The conquest covered the states of Michoacan, Colima and others.After
traveling for several days with a small army of 100 men, including a few Tlaxcaltecas
and Tarascan Indian guides, Cortes de San Buenaventura discovered a beautiful
place surrounded by mountains and sandy beaches. The
area was populated with an aggressive tribe of 20,000 warrior native Indians.
The Spanish Captain, concerned by the great number of Indians, tried to befriend
and make peace with the Indian Chiefs to no avail. The Indian army prepared for
battle. Don Cortes de San Buenaventura, outnumbered
by the Indian army, thought of surrendering, but his second in command, Don Angel
Villafaña, outraged by the defying Indians, urged his Captain to get ready
for battle. Villafaña encouraged Cortes de San
Buenaventura with words of pride in Spaniard bravery. He spoke of how the protection
of God and the Virgin deserved nothing but harsh punishment from the Spaniards.
Cortes was convinced by his captain's words and they prepared for battle. The
Spanish army had four bright banners made of sateen. Two of the banners had imprinted
small flags and bright-insignias, which represented both military and royal symbols.
The third banner had the Battalion number embroidered in bright colors. Old Friar
Juan de Villadiego carried the fourth banner. On one side of the banner was the
image of the Holy Cross and a subtitle that read: "With this I won, Him who
carries me will win" The other side had a picture of the Immanculate Conception;
the subtitle read "Maria, Mater Dei, ora pro nobis". The
Indians carried small banners made out of beautiful, bright colored feathers tradicionally
used for their celebrations and war. According to Tello, these events occurred
one Saturday afternoon in May 1527. Tello narrates how
both groups had lined up in anticipation of war when suddenly, from the banner
of the old friar came flashing, glaring lights, creating an aura of light around
the image of the most Holy Lady, which picture seemed to be getting more visible.
According to the story, both armies were in awe of this incredible vision. The
Indians, according to Tello touched by the Divine Grace, knelt down in awe, agreeing
to make peace with the Castilians. Don Francisco Cortes
de San Buenaventura named the Valley after the bright colored banners from both
armies. The Bay, which extends widely into the ocean in a horseshoe shape, was
named Bahia de Banderas (Bay of Flags). Puerto Vallarta is located in the heart
of the Bay. This is the historical information that relates Puerto Vallarta back
to the time of the Spanish Conquest. Catalina
Montes de Oca Aguilar
Read Doña
Catalina Montes de Oca Aguilar Autobiography
Archives
by date Note: The segments from the
book "Puerto Vallarta en mis Recuerdos" -both versions- are published
in PVMirror.com with the express authorization of Sra. Yolanda Contreras de Garduño,
co-author of the work and owner of the copyrights thereto. Any reproduction thereof,
partial or total, in any medium is prohibited. Note:
Distinguished reader, if you know of any story, anecdote, biography or event,
or if you have any photographs that you feel should be presented to the world
through this section, or if you know someone we should interview to get more information
on the history of Vallarta, please feel free to contact us at: editor@pvmirror.com To
purchase the book
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in Puerto
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Col. Emiliano Zapata. |
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