Manuel José’s 207th offers taste of Spain in Gisborne

HAPPY 207TH MANUEL JOSE: He is commonly known on the East Coast as José Manuel, but his real name is Manuel José, and on the weekend Marylyn Nalder (left), James Barnes, Te Awa Curtis and Aidan Edwards were among descendants who celebrated the 19th-century whaler and trader’s 207th birthday. Picture supplied

A SMALL group of Maori-Spanish Manuel José descendants enjoyed food, fun and fiesta in a celebration of the 19th-century whaler and trader’s 207th birthday.

Born on January 31, 1811, in Valverde del Majano, Spain, Manuel José de Frutos Huerta arrived on the East Coast of New Zealand in the 1830s.

He settled at Port Awanui and “married” five Ngati Porou women from whom thousands descend today.

Among the Spaniard’s birth information discovered by his descendants was a copy of his christening certificate.

Unearthed in his hometown of Valverde del Majano, the document contained his birthdate and information about his parents and grandparents.

The name José Manuel is commonly used on the East Coast.

“Descendants use José Manuel and Manuel José in discussion among themselves,” says Manuel José committee youth representative Aidan Edwards. “We know it means the same thing.”

The birthday celebration was held in the orchard at the home of Gisborne couple Edda and Stephen McCabe.

Guests prepared and ate Spanish food, listened to Spanish music and sang happy birthday in Spanish as a birthday cake, with the Manuel José family crest etched into the icing, was cut.

Festivities included Spanish-influenced Latino dancing led by salsa dance instructor Flavio Solis.