Introduction Culturally speaking, Gran Canaria is synonymous with the blending of cultures. This attribute of the island is the legacy of its long history as a port of call for travellers, having been a society that is open to everything that arrives to its shores from beyond the seas. The march of time through the islands has left behind an extremely valuable archaeological, artistic, architectural and ethnographic heritage, which bears witness to the cultural evolvement of our island community. This historic heritage, the legacy of the island's own identity, has been enriched and accompanied by multifarious manifestations of art and culture, which has endowed the island with certain unique traits that would be difficult to find in any other territory of such a limited extent. |
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Museums |
A large part of the historic and cultural wealth of Gran Canaria is represented in the island´s museums, where a large part of the island´s heritage is preserved, researched and exhibited. The broad range of subject matters that are covered by the museums include everything from the native past of the island right up its most recent contemporary history. You can also find houses that are kept in remembrance of the most illustrious sons of the island who have gained renown in various social and cultural disciplines as well as those houses where the popular customs and traditions of the island are preserved. Most of these places are well worth a visit simply by reason of the buildings themselves. These buildings are of artistic and historic importance and exemplify the varied and rich urban and rural architecture that sprung up here in the Canaries. | |
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Gastronomy |
Gran Canaria is worldwide known for its excellent climate, its magnificent beaches and its astonishing landscape. However in the inland it keeps some treasures yet undiscovered for the visitor and are related to their inhabitants, their culture and their way of life. Among them, its gastronomy has been ellaborated along several centuries with excellent raw materials (meat, fish, fruits and vegetables) combined in original and tasty recipes.
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The Wine Route |
One of the unique aspects of the island of Gran Canaria is the diversity of microclimates that are found on the island, which is why grapes of the same variety that are cultivated in a very small geographical area, present such a wide range of oenological characteristics. Another distinctive characteristic of the local wines is the fact that most of the vines were introduced onto the island before the occurrence of the phylloxera plague that devastated Europe's vineyards. Consequently, it is possible to cultivate the vines without having to resort to grafting, which is why the island's viticulture enjoys certain unique characteristics. |
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Indigenous Sports |
An important characteristic of the native inhabitants of Gran Canaria was their great love of sports, many of which are still being practiced in modern times. An example is Canarian wrestling (lucha canaria) , which is characterised by the nobility, valour and artistry of the way in which it is practiced. This ancestral sport, together with lateen sailing, are the most popular indigenous sports, having the biggest following in the island. However, there are other indigenous sports that demonstrate the richness and variety of the traditions that have been handed down to the Canarian people. Examples of these are the pole game (juego del palo ), stick fighting (la lucha del garrote ), and pole jumping (salto del palo )... | |
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Native Culture and Crafts |
The original inhabitants of Gran Canaria based their economy on agriculture more than on cattle, harvesting, gathering of seafood or fishing. Barley was the product par excellence in the diet of the first settlers of the island, and with it they elaborated gofio (toasted and ground cereal meal), with which they took wheat and beans. A distinct characteristic that still remains in Gran Canaria are the silos, which were places in caves where the original inhabitants kept their products. | |
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Art: Architecture, Sculpture and Painting
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Most of the monuments that
you can see in Gran Canaria date from the period after the conquest,
although it has been possible to preserve certain archaeological sites
that relate to the earlier inhabitants of the island. The acquisition of Flemish pieces was popular in the 15 th and 18 th centuries and these can now be admired in the shrine of Las Nieves in Agaete or in the church of San Juan Bautista in Arucas where the Virgin of Guadalupe can be found. |
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Archeological and Monumental Heritage |
The extensive archaeological heritage of Gran Canaria makes it possible for us to experience the various environments in which the lives of the pre-Hispanic inhabitants of the island unfolded. Through these remnants we can learn more about some of the earlier inhabitants, who have always aroused the interest of researchers and about whom there is still much to discover. | |
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Folklore and traditional festivities |
Gran Canaria is one big festival all year round. The excellent climate of the island makes it possible to hold festivals during any part of the year. During festival time, the plazas, streets and beaches provide the setting where the people of Gran Canaria and visitors alike give free reign to the more joyful and fun-loving sides of their natures. The rich history of the island is also evident in its popular festivals, some of which date back to the times of the native inhabitants, while others have more universal roots. Nevertheless, the festive nature of the Canarian people has given a unique flavour to these festivals, with a calendar of special events that sets the pace for the exciting rhythm of Gran Canaria. | |
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