What are the Canary Islands’ traditions?
The Canary Islands are known as the ” Fortunate Islands ” because of their excellent climate throughout the year. This wonderful climate makes them an ideal holiday destination. The Canary Islands’ culture has been influenced by many different peoples, which is reflected in the richness of their traditions. For those looking for a different way to enjoy their holidays, here are some of the most important traditions of the Canary Islands.
But first, some background: Since they were conquered by the Castilian Crown, the Canary Islands have been a place of passage and communication between 3 continents: Europe, Africa and America. The influence of these three continents, together with the customs and traditions of the aboriginal inhabitants of the islands, has given the archipelago a rich and varied culture with its own identity.
In addition, the Canary Islands have a very diverse culture, which is expressed in religious festivals, pilgrimages, indigenous sports, games and forms of communication. Canarian traditions are the joy and festivity that characterise the lucky islands of Spain. Let us take a closer look at each of them.
The Gomera whistle
The “silbo gomero” is one of the traditions of La Gomera, a form of communication used by the Guanches to communicate across ravines and valleys by whistling. How far could they communicate? More or less, up to five kilometres.
Its users recognise themselves as whistlers. This Canarian custom was invented by the aborigines of the area, and its use has been revitalised by teaching young people about its use in schools.
Romerías en Canarias
Pilgrimages are very important events in the Canary Islands. Each village celebrates these fiestas with its own special flavours, costumes and music. What is the meaning of these events? Originally, they were journeys or pilgrimages, often to rural or mountainous areas to visit the sanctuary or hermitage of a virgin or patron saint. Nowadays, Canary Islands pilgrimages include crafts, sport, gastronomy and fashion as a way of preserving the cultural identity of each place.
Carnival in the Canary Islands
Carnival is synonymous with celebration and colour all over the world. The origins of this celebration date back to classical times, with roots in the pagan celebrations of the ancient Romans. Throughout history, however, the Canarian Carnival has evolved, incorporating influences from different periods and cultures.
Today it is considered to be one of the most festive in Europe, an experience you must have at least once in your life. The streets of the Canary Islands turn into one big party and the mild temperatures of the islands means that you can enjoy the atmosphere outdoors even in February and March.
Midsummer night (San Juan night)
This magical festival is a combination of religious and pagan elements and is characterised by a series of rituals involving fire, water and plants as symbols of purification and renewal. This festival, which coincides with the summer solstice, is celebrated in many places between 21 and 24 June.
The night of San Juan has a central element: bonfires. Bonfires symbolise purification and rebirth. Healing properties are also attributed to bathing in the sea or night dew. The night is also celebrated with various activities such as outdoor dances, masses and processions.
The Charco de la Aldea festival
For one of the most important and varied celebrations in the Canary Islands, don’t miss the Charco de la Aldea festival. Held every year on the 11th of September, this fiesta is a tribute to the fishing techniques of the Canarian ancestors, especially the technique known as embarbascado (which consisted of sedating the fish with plant sap in puddles to make them easier to catch).
Today, the fiesta begins with the mayor calling on everyone to jump into the pond. At that point, recalling the traditional fishing of the past, the participants run en masse to the centre of the pond to immerse themselves.
The Fiesta de la Rama in Agaete
The Fiesta de la Rama in Agaete is a beautiful celebration that takes place on the 4th of August. During this celebration, the participants dance through the streets carrying branches from different trees as an offering to Nuestra Señora de las Nieves. This celebration, which precedes the main day of the Fiestas de las Nieves on the 5th of August, includes three main dances: the Diana, the Rama and the Retreta. The dances are accompanied by giant figures known as “papahuevos” or “papagüevos”. It is believed that the origins of this fiesta go back to the rituals of the aboriginal inhabitants of the Canary Islands who prayed for rain. Declared a Fiesta of National Tourist Interest in 1972, the Fiesta de la Rama is a great event that combines playful, festive and religious elements, attracting both the local population and visitors.
The Indianos
Los Indianos is held every Carnival Monday in Santa Cruz de La Palma. Known for its Cuban connection, it celebrates Canary Islanders returning from America rich (in white costumes and fancy accessories). The festivities include dancing, Cuban music and the throwing of talcum powder, a 19th century Cuban tradition. The central figure of the whole celebration is the Negra Tomasa. Her arrival is the highlight of the fiesta and marks a moment of great joy for the participants. This event symbolises the historical and cultural link between La Palma and Cuba and is one of the most eagerly awaited and exciting aspects of the fiesta. Los Indianos was declared a Fiesta of National Tourist Interest in 1972.
The bringing of water
Rain has always been an essential and symbolic element in many traditions and cultures around the world. Festivities such as the Bringing of the Water in Telde, Gran Canaria, are a good example of this. Celebrated in the Lomo Magullo neighbourhood, it is an adaptation of an aboriginal rite in which the gods were prayed to for the arrival of water in the area. The Fiestas de la Virgen de las Nieves, held in the first two weeks of August, include this unique event.
During the Bringing of the Water, residents and visitors gather to take part in an authentic water battle. To the rhythm of the town’s brass band, the participants make a tour of Lomo Magullo, drenching each other. The event culminates with La Secá and a great popular dance.
Some traditional sports in the Canary Islands
In addition to the most popular fiestas in the Canary Islands tradition, it is essential to know the typical sports and games of the Islands in order to get to know their culture. Let’s get to know 3 of the most typical sports practised in the Canary Islands:
Canarian wrestling
This is the reference sport in Canarian traditions. In this discipline, two wrestlers face each other in a circular arena measuring between 15 and 17 metres. The aim is to knock down the opponent, using a series of techniques called “mañas”. A wrestler is considered defeated when any part of his body touches the ground except for the sole of his foot. The idea is to knock the opponent off balance.
Shepherd’s leap
Shepherd’s leaping, also known as “Canary leaping”, is an ancient technique developed by shepherds in the Canary Islands to overcome the rugged volcanic terrain of the islands. The practice involves the use of a long, thin and sturdy stick, known as a “lata” or “garrote”, which allows the jumpers to overcome natural obstacles such as ravines, rocks and steep slopes.
Handling the pole requires great skill and a thorough knowledge of the terrain. Jumpers use the pole for propulsion, support and balance, allowing them to make long jumps.
Canarian balls or pétanque
Also known as petanque, this French game has become very popular in the Canary Islands and many other parts of the world. The game consists of throwing metal balls, usually made of steel, at a target. The aim is to get as close to the target as possible or to hit the opponent’s balls in order to knock them out.
In the Canary Islands, “bolas canarias” is a traditional pastime played on specially designed courts. The game is played by people of all ages and is a very common social activity. Players compete individually or in teams and the aim is to accumulate points by strategically throwing the balls.
If you would like to enjoy these Canary Islands traditions at a hotel in Fuerteventura or a hotel in Gran Canaria, the Lopesan Group has incredible holiday offers so that you can have a dream holiday in the Canary Islands.
