The Manila-Acapulco Galleon Trade

Yes I'm aware of posting this late which is because I did an extensive research about the Manila Galleon, read the 13-page print thrice, and summarized :)

The Galeon Andalucia, a 51-meter-long replica, has finally docked at Pier 13 in South Harbor, Manila, Philippines last October 6, 2010 after a day of delay due to strong winds from Hong Kong.

The Philippines, the First ASEAN Culture Capital 2010-2011, will host the International Dia del Galeon Festival 2010: Connecting Continents; and is the first country to hold this festival.

Filipinos can visit Galeon Andalucia, learn its history, and see various events prepared on October 7-8, 2010 from 8:00am -12:00nn and 1:00-4:00pm. On October 9, from 8:00am until 12:00 noon only.

So badly wanted to attend the event :(

Well anyway, in the 16th century, the Manila-Acapulco Galleon Trade (1565-1815) was the longest running shipping line of Spanish trading ships that sailed twice a year across the Pacific Ocean. It would take four months of sailing from Manila (which actually landed first in Cebu) to Acapulco, New Spain (present-day Mexico).

The Manila-Acapulco trade route started in 1568 and Spanish treasure fleets (white) and its eastwards rivals, the Portuguese India Armadas routes of 1498-1640 (blue).

Manila became the center of commerce in the East, creating a global village. The vessels embarked gold, silver, spices, silk, damask, Chinese porcelains, pearls, plants, cotton, indigo, jade, ivory, and lacquerware. Some of these were stored in the Almacenes Reales at Fort Santiago, Intramuros.

Many ships voyaged across the Pacific Ocean but ended up in wreckage which is why the entire trade wouldn't be possible without Fray Andres de Urdaneta's expertise as a circumnavigator. King Philip II of Spain invited Urdaneta to be part of the expedition under Miguel Lopez de Legazpi because of his familiarity with Southeast Asia and its culture, and kept records of his sails.

The Manila galleons fulfilled Christopher Columbus' dream of sailing from west to east, bringing raw products and materials of the Indies to Spain, and the rest of Europe. Though the trade had started after his death for almost 50 years.

In 1815, the Manila-Acapulco Galleon Trade was permanently ceased due to the Mexican War of Independence.

For 250 years, there were 119 sailed galleons.

Image Source:

Main Image from FitToPost

Map (with text) and Fray Andres de Urdaneta from Wikipedia

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