Pedro de Garibay
Pedro de Garibay (1729–1815) was a Spanish military officer who served as the 57th viceroy of New Spain from September 16, 1808, to July 19, 1809.
Born in Alcalá de Henares, Spain, Garibay joined the army in 1742 and fought in Portugal, Italy, and Morocco. He took part in the attack on the fort Yaqueví in Santo Domingo. In 1764 he went to New Spain as sergeant major on an expedition led by Juan de Villalba, helping organize provincial troops. He later served 23 years as sergeant major of the Mexico City regiment. He was promoted to colonel in 1783 and to brigadier in 1789. By old age and illness, he was advanced to field marshal as he prepared for retirement.
In 1808 a pro-Spanish group led by Gabriel J. de Yermo forced out Viceroy Iturrigaray for his pro-independence sympathies. By custom, the Audiencia of Mexico named the oldest and highest-ranking officer as viceroy, so the 79-year-old Garibay was chosen. He was known as tall, brave, respected, and intellectually capable. As viceroy, he kept order and limited the power of the Parianeros, Yermo’s followers.
Garibay arrested several leaders of the independence movement, including Verdad y Ramos and, after five days, Fray Melchor de Talamantes died of yellow fever while being moved to Spain. He created a committee to investigate the anarchist movement, moved troops from Jalapa, and ordered the casting of 100 cannons and other arms. He also suspended the Caja de Consolidación, which had diverted money from religious estates to the government.
The Parianeros formed new groups such as Realistas Fieles or Patriots of Ferdinand VII and wore blue jackets, earning the nickname Los Chaquetas. Garibay aimed to prevent abuses and even dissolved some forces, while personally commanding a dragoon regiment.
In Spain, the Supreme Junta initially did not recognize Garibay’s government, but later the Junta of Aranjuez gave some authority as the war against Napoleon progressed. Garibay sent 200,000 pesos to Aranjuez, in addition to the regular 90,000 pesos, hoping to show support. The Aranjuez decision prompted colonies to send representatives, which worried Creoles that colonists would gain too much autonomy.
When Britain’s alliance with Spain allowed renewed trade, Garibay ordered the building of many merchant ships. After about ten months, the Supreme Junta replaced him with Francisco Javier de Lizana y Beaumont. Garibay wished to return to Spain but lacked funds. He lived in retirement on a pension of 500 pesos a month, later increased, and he was awarded the Cross of Carlos III and a pension of 10,000 pesos annually for his service.
Garibay died in Mexico City in 1815, having spent much of his life in Michoacán. His brother lived in Jalisco.
This page was last edited on 2 February 2026, at 08:35 (CET).