Every Saturday in Casements Square in Gibraltar, there is a re-enactment of the Gibraltar Ceremony of the Keys. This refers to the locking of the gates of the old town. This ceremony originates from the late 1700’s during the Great Siege of Gibraltar. During the Great Siege, when the French and Spanish were trying to gain control of Gibraltar, the Governor would wear the key to the gates of the city on his belt. Every evening, he would give the keys over to the Port Sergeant escorted by armed guards, would then go and lock the gates to the fortress. This ceremony took place daily for another 140 years after the Great Siege. The fife and drum were added to the ceremony to warn people that the gates were about to be closed.
We loved the costumes and the drums. After the ceremony, several of the men were nice enough to stay around for pictures.
How fascinating! The man looked very pleased to have his picture taken with you.
Yes, I love these kinds of things. A great way to experience a little bit of history.