Las Palmas de Gran Canaria You know that......
Spain
Did you know that the Canary balcony appears during the colonial period (XVIth century)? They were made with the Canarian pine wood until this was protected. The canary balcony is very present in the architecture of America, especially in the Caribbean, Venezuela, Colombia and Cuba. This is due to the intense relations between the Canaries and the New Continent.
Did you know that the dog "Presa Canario" lived in the islands with the aborigines before the conquest? There's a theory about the relation of the name of the Canaries with these dogs, dog in Latin is can... During three centuries, until 2005, the emblem of the islands had two of these dogs. The "Presa Canario" was nearly extinct but in the seventies (20th century) it started to recover.
Did you know that the Maspalomas dunes and its pond is a special natural reserve? The pond is the habitat for many migrant birds, reptiles, insects and plants, many of them are endemism. The average temperature is 23,5째 and there are 259 sunny days a year, 87 partially cloudy and only 13 cloudy days. It has a surface of 404 hectares. It is in the south of the island.
Did you know that the Canarian wrestling is a sport that was practised by the aborigines? Nowadays there's a federation and a league between the seven islands. The objective of the fight is just to destabilise the opponent without hitting. Both opponents have to hold themselves all the time and the fight finishes when one of them touch the floor with a part of his body different from his soles. The Canarian wrestling is known for its nobleness. A curiosity, when someone is very good at fights and everybody lose against him it is called "Pollo" (chicken), this is referred to the bravery of the fighting cocks.
Did you know that Gofio is the name for the flour that Canarian aborigines made from roasted grains, typically wheat, lentils, barley or even fern rhizomes? Nowadays we also use rye or corn to make it. Gofio has been an important ingredient in Canarian cooking and it saved many lives during the Spanish Civil War and the post war period. Canarian emigrants have spread its use to the Caribbean (notably in Cuba, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, and Venezuela) and Western Sahara. It is also found in Argentina, Uruguay, and Chile. It is eaten mixed with milk, coffe with milk, potaje (typical Canarian vegetables soup) bananas or just water and sugar as a substitute of bread. The EU gave the Canarian Gofio the designation of origin in 2014.
Did you know that the fish "Vieja" is one of the most popular fish in the islands? The male is grey and the female, red, yellow and grey, it can grow to 50 cm. It lives in the Mediterranean Sea and in the eastern Atlantic, from Portugal south to Senegal. You can find it in our gastronomy easily. One of the most popular rocks at Las Canteras beach takes its name: "Pe単a de la Vieja"
Did you know that the "blue tajinaste" (Echium Callithyrsum) is an endemism exclusive of Gran Canaria? It blooms from January to April. The generic name "tajinaste" comes from the aborigine word ⵜⴰⵉⵏⴰⴵⵜ, (tainast) and it means needle. In Canary Islands there are 20 different endemic tajinastes, they are colourful and showy. There are specific honeys made from their flowers.
Did you know that Juan Negr铆n L贸pez (Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, 1892 Paris, 1956) was a medical physiologist and a politician? He was the last President of the Government of the second Republic between 1937 and 1939. When the Spanish civil war ended he continued as President of the Government in exile until 1945. He spoke several languages, rather unusual at the time. Currently, the largest hospital in Gran Canaria bears his name as well as two public primary schools in the island. Recently it opened the foundation that preserves his thinking.
Did you know that "caldera" is the geological name given to the depression of a volcano? The word was already used by the Canarians and it was adopted by a German vulcanologist during his visit to the Canaries in 1815, now it is used all over the world. You can visit two beautiful calderas in Gran Canaria: Tejeda and Bandama. In Tenerife island there is one called Ca単adas del Teide and in La Palma island another huge and marvellous one called Taburiente. The Canary Islands are from a volcanic origin, the oldest (70 millions of years) and most eroded (only 807 m high) is Fuerteventura; the newest is El Hierro (1,1 millions of years). The highest island is Tenerife (3.718 m); Gran Canaria is 1949 m high.
Did you know that the Canary Islands were conquered by Spain between 1402 and 1496? It was a really hard mission particularly in Gran Canaria where the conquest lasted 5 years (1478-1483). You have to take into account the aborigines defended the islands with sticks and stones... The islands had a complex social organisation, they were divided in kingdoms. In Gran Canaria the Kings were called Guanartemes and there were two kingdoms or Guanartematos: Telde governed by the Guanarteme Bentejui; and Gรกldar, governed by Doramas. There also were priests called Faycanes and priestesses called Maguadas who were educated by the Harimaguadas. The military chiefs were called Farayahucanes and the representatives of the justice Guayafaycanes. The ordinary people couldn't have long hair or beard. The conquest of Gran Canaria ended in 1483 with the suicide of Bentejui and the Faycan of Telde while shouting "Atis Tirma" because there were no way out.
Did you know that Canarian lateen sailing is a very popular sport in Gran Canaria and Lanzarote? More than 10.000 spectators go to watch the regattas along the east coast of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria city every week between March and October. These boats were used to fish and for coastal trade after the conquest of the island. The trade winds and the littoral of the city are ideal to practise sailing, that's the reason why Gran Canaria has contributed with 7 gold olympic medals in sailing for Spain since London'48. On the other hand, the first Spanish who won two golds was the Canarian Luis Doreste. The logo of our school it is inspired on this sport.
Did you know that the word mojo is the name of a typical Canarian sauce? The word comes from the Portuguese word "molho" (sauce). There are two basic mojos, the red and the green one. They can be spicy or not. The ingredients for the green one are oil, salt, garlic, parsley or coriander, cumin, green pepper and vinegar; for the red one just change the green pepper for red pepper. Anyway, there are lot of different recipes and you can try delicious and tasty mojos made with almonds, cheese (almogrote), tomato, pumpkin, saffron, advocate... We usually eat mojo with potatoes, fish, meat, cheese, gofio...
Did you know that the plant "Card贸n Canario" is the official symbol of Gran Canaria together with the dog "Presa Canario"? This endemic plant looks like a cactus but it isn't, it belongs to the family of the Euphorbiaceae. It can grow to 4 meters high and 150 square meters. It is believed the aborigines knew how to separate its toxic sap from the pulp to hydrate themselves during the drought periods. Its sap was also used by the aborigines to fish in the intertidal puddles, the sap stuns the fish, this fishing technic is forbidden nowadays. Traditionally it has been used in the folk medicine but it is dangerous because of its toxicity. There's a specific honey based in its flowers with a bitter and spicy characteristic flavour.
Did you know that the "Roque Nublo" near the top of Gran Canaria is one of the most popular symbols of our island? It is a protected natural monument. The "roques" are volcanic formations (domes) that were made slowly inside a volcano so they are harder and more resistant to erosion. After thousands of years, everything is eroded but the "roques" stay longer. They usually have a needle shape. People climb the "Nublo" since three German people did it for the first time in 1932. In the top there's a climbing notebook where everyone can sign. Next to the Nublo there are two other curious rock formations one has the shape of a huge frog and the other a monk shape. To reach the Roque Nublo you have to walk 1,5 km from the general road. "Sombra del Nublo" (The shadow of the Nublo) is a beautiful song composed in 1936 by Néstor Álamo, its premiere coincided with a show of Canarian pictures by the painter Néstor Martín Fernández de la Torre at the Theatre Pérez Galdós in 1937. Nowadays is the official hymn of Gran Canaria. Here you can listen it, DON'T LOSE IT, it was sang at the "Pueblo Canario" in 2013 by "Los gofiones" one of our most famous group of Canarian popular music that was created in 1970https://m.youtube.com/watch? v=yLsyMCyj8OM. Here's another version by Alfredo Kraus (1959)https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=KBdh8-S35mA
Did you know that the Canarian painter Néstor Martín Fernández de la Torre (1887-1938) was a referent of the European modernism and symbolism? He studied in Madrid and then he improved upon his painting technics in Europe (Paris, Brussels, Ghent, Bruges and London). His first exhibition was in Barcelona (1908) about portraits with a deep English influence but with his own style: lots of details and idealised models. Then he did more exhibitions in Barcelona, London, Madrid, Paris... He also painted for performing arts, for example with Manuel de Falla (El amor brujo). He lived his last years in his island, Gran Canaria and died prematurely being 51 years old. His great job was a series called Poema de Los elementos composed by the sets Poema del Mar (he fished at Las Canteras beach to study the fish and then paint them); Poema de la tierra (unfinished); and two other not started collections called "Poema del fuego" and "Poema del Aire". He also painted Adagio (being 16 years old), an incredible and symbolist representation about the classic myth "Leda and the swan" where Zeus became a swan to get closer to Leda and be his lover. "El niño arquero" is a painting where three different aspects converge: Néstor Barocco's passion (the fountain of the painting is at Santo Domingo square in the old town); the Eros myth and a Manila shawl. Néstor collaborated with his architect brother who rebuilt the Theatre Pérez Galdós, Néstor was in charge of the decoration. They both also worked together designing two typical Canarian buildings: the Parador de Tejeda (a luxury hotel) and the "Pueblo Canario", an architectonic complex where his museum is now and where two typical Canarian folkloric shows are celebrated every week. Néstor decorated the Casino of Santa Cruz de Tenerife too. He has a very prolific work.
Did you know that Las Palmas de Gran Canaria city was founded the 24th June 1478 in Vegueta with the name "Real de las Tres Palmas"? Juan Rej贸n, the conquerer of the island, chose that name because there were three big palm trees where he established the military campsite apart from many others they cut down to build it. We celebrate this day, that coincides with Saint John's day, swimming at midnight in Las Canteras beach under thousands of beautiful fireworks and hundreds of bonfires around the city. The first trades in the island were about sugar cane. Pirates like Francis Drake, Van der Does and others attacked the city many times. Building the Port of La Luz during the second half of the 19th century gave a great impulse to the city because it became a tricontinental platform. The current name of the city was given in 1939. The University of Siracusa compared the climate of 600 hundreds cities in the world and they found our climate as the best of the world. Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is the capital city of Las Palmas province that includes three islands: Fuerteventura, Lanzarote and Gran Canaria. And it also shares the capital of the whole archipelago with Santa Cruz de Tenerife city. Our city has 379.766 inhabitants, the whole island of Gran Canaria has 847.830 inhabitants and in all the Canary Islands there are 2.128.647 inhabitants. We received 305.399 tourists in the city in 2014 plus 650.000 cruise passengers; 3.580.317 tourists in Gran Canaria island (without cruises); in the whole archipelago, 12.991.012 (without cruises).
Did you know that surfing is practised in the Canaries since the 60's? The pioneers were American surfers tourists who were running away from the crowded waves they had in their country. In our islands we have great waves, some of them are famous around the world. We sometimes celebrate international championships. There are more than 30 different spots in Gran Canaria to practise surf and the temperature of the water is between 18째 and 24째 C during the year. Adelina Taylor, a Canarian girl from Las Canteras beach was the surfing European champion in 2004, her twin sister Marina was the bodyboarding world champion in 2006 and for six times the European champion.
Did you know that the Canarian cheeses are part of the cultural heritage of the archipelago? Our region is the first goat cheese producer in Spain. There are more than 500 cheese factories in the islands. We basically use milk from native breeds of goats and sheep. The three cheeses with certificate of origin in Canary Islands are: "Flor de GuĂa" (Gran Canaria), it uses vegetal curdling agent, it is creamy and tasty. Sheep milk. "Majorero" (Fuerteventura), it was the first goat cheese in Spain that got the certificate. You can find it covered with gofio, paprika, olive oil or plain. It is very tasty. Goat milk. "Palmero" (La Palma), it is smoked with almond peels, cactuses and Canarian pine tree. It is delicious! Goat milk. You can also find and try hundreds of other different and incredible cheeses
Did you know that the endemic bird Pinz贸n Azul of Gran Canaria (blue finch) is one of the most endangered birds in the world? There are only 150 couples. The other subspecies endemic from Tenerife island has 500 couples. The government is running a plan to recover it but it is very difficult because its habitat has been reduced to 20 square km.
Did you know that the Canarian Palm tree is an endemism of the Canary Islands and it is the official symbol of the archipelago with the Canary bird? It is a very long-lived species, some palm trees exceed two or three centuries old. On the island of La Gomera, the sap is extracted to produce a kind of honey called guarapo. You can eat the fruit, the "tĂĄmara", but it is not so tasty as the dates. Aborigines used the plant for the production of multiple and varied objects, ropes, nets, sails, boats, votive offerings, etc. After the conquest, the palm continued to be widely used for different purposes, as a building material, to make mats, ropes, baskets, ornaments, hives, combustible, bed for the cattle, wrap for bananas bunches, fodder... It is usual seeing the street sweepers using the palm leaves as a broom. There's a Canarian popular game you play using the base of the palm leaf as a baseball bat to hit a stick, the game is called the Billarda. The palm tree has caused many place names on the islands like: Palmital de GuĂa, Palmar de Teror, Lomo de la Palma, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Vega del RĂo Palmas, Valle del Palmar, etc.
Did you know that César Manrique (1919-1992) was a Canarian painter, sculptor and architect? He combined his work with the defense of the environmental values of the Canary Islands. He sought harmony between art and nature as a creative space. He won, among others, the World Ecology and Tourism Award and the Europe. Paint He was one of the pioneers of abstract art in Spain. He held many exhibitions in Spain, Germany, England, Sweden, Italy, Austria, Brazil, Japan, United States and Finland. It is remarkable his exhibition at the Guggenheim Museum in New York in 1964. Sculpture Manrique had not a coherent sculptural line. The time and place conditioned its expressive forms. For his works he used many materials thrown out by sea to the shore. An important part of the sculpture of Manrique are the mobiles, what he called wind toys. They are heavy iron structures composed of spheres, circles, pyramids... With the wind they become ethereal, weightless, and establish a complicated opposite rotational movement. Architecture The most important work of art of César Manrique is Lanzarote. His influence and his work marked the external appearance of the island. The islanders say he was who "made" Lanzarote. His most important works are: - Jameos del agua: concert venue/nightclub for 600 persons in a volcanic cave - Taro de Tahíche: Manrique's house near Teguise, the present seat of the Fundación César Manrique. - Manrique's house and artist studio in Haria village (Lanzarote), with landscaped garden. - Mirador del Río: overlooking the island of Graciosa from Lanzarote island. - Lago de Costa Martiánez: large "semi natural" open air sea-water pool complex in Puerto de la Cruz, Tenerife. - Shopping Center La Vaguada: the first shopping centre in Spain integrated in its natural environment (Madrid). - Mirador de la Peña: a restaurant and viewpoint on El Hierro island. - Jardín de cactus: a cactus garden home to over 1.100 different varieties of cactuses (Lanzarote). - Playa Jardín: volcanic beach and sub-tropical gardens complex in Puerto de la Cruz, Tenerife - Parque marítimo César Manrique: entertainment complex in Santa Cruz de Tenerife. - Mirador de El Palmarejo: a lookout point in La Gomera island. - Horno asador de Timanfaya: a restaurant that uses volcanic heat to cook.
Did you know that the "Roque Bentayga" is opposite the Roque Nublo and inside the caldera of Tejeda in the centre of the island at 1.404 m of altitude? Next to the Roque there are two aborigines settlements with a hundred of caves with rooms, burials, silos, alphabetical engravings... Some historians and archaeologists affirm that the Roque was a place of worship for the aborigines (almogarĂŠn). The aborigines defended successful the roque during weeks of siege of the conquers. This was one of the last pockets of resistance during the battles fought for the conquest of the island. "The show is awesome. All those black walls of the great caldera, with their crests, which seem crenellated, with its jutting roques offer the appearance of a Dantesque vision ... It's a tremendous shock from the bowels of the earth; It seems all a petrified storm...". Miguel de Unamuno (1864-1936), Spanish writer about the Caldera de Tejeda.
Did you know that the canary musical folklore is the result of the mixture between aboriginal music, peninsular sounds, Spanish and Portuguese (valses, polcas, mazurcas or berlinas), arrived with the conquest; and the subsequent contribution of Caribbean chords (habaneras, décimas, puntos cubanos, boleros...) brought by canaries migrants on their return? The songs and dances more widespread in Gran Canaria are common to the rest of the Islands: isas, folías and malagueñas: Isa https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ZnDtwATYiaM Folía https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=DMcSsaI5xpI Malagueña https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=dG65IV_Alys As major singularities are, however, the mazurca (this one is probably from Masuria, Poland) and the Aires de Lima. The mazurca is usually interpreted only by instruments, some of them are true concert pieces in form and musical quality and they look like the waltz. Mazurca: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=PeCKmitjn-Y The lyrics of Aires de Lima are often plaintive, sung to kill time, at births and even at meetings of mourning. The songs start very gently with loving lyrics but they sometimes have a spicy ending. Aires de Lima: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=8AlkR_8Hawo The musical group "Los gofiones" is the most representative one of our island. Los Gofiones. Pasodoble "Islas Canarias" https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=y7mDsROA5kc Every island has its own typical dressing although they all are similar. The typical musical instruments are the chácaras, a sort of castanets; different types of drums and percussion instruments the aborigines made with materials from nature; some air instruments also made with natural materials like cane flutes, whistles or the bucio (a big sea snail); and the most important, the timple, a post-colonial small five strings guitar with unknown origin. Listen to this songs: Benito Cabrera https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=a-fPA2yHACw Totoyo Millares https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Zl5u6i-ahAY José Antonio Ramos https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ZqBh1OWM4M4 https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=XtzFlU7k7oM In the Canaries, mostly during the summer, the romerias (pilgrimages) are the most important holidays of each town. There are innumerable romerias all around the archipelago where people often dress in traditional Canarian clothes, typical products are tasted and of course, people sing and dance Canarian songs.
Did you know that in the Canary Islands we have 10 different wines with denomination of origin? There are, officially, 135 different types of vines in our islands. The most used grapes are Malvasía, white and black Listán, Bujariego, Albillo, Negramol, Tintilla, Marmajuelo... The first vines came from Creta in the 15th century. In the Canary Islands there are more than 10,000 hectares of vineyards spread between the different Islands, we have 71 wineries and 54 registered trademarks. Our wines are sold in the local market, regional market and some in the international market. We produce young red wine, red oak, white pink young, semi-sweet, sweet and strong wine. The most spectacular and incredible vineyards are in La Geria, Lanzarote island where they cultivate the vines in the volcanic land and they protect every vine from the wind with a round wall creating an awesome landscape. Their white wine made with malmsey grape (Malvasía) is one of the best of the archipelago.
Did you know that in the Canary Islands there is a large variety of dolphins and whales? Scientists have identified in Canarian waters 29 species of cetaceans representing 34% of global diversity. Therefore, Canary Islands is a special place and almost unique for whale watching, from small spotted dolphins to 30 m whales; as well pilot whales, beaked whales and turtles. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=7Mk6yd6y-yg
Did you know that the Canarian pine tree can produce new shoots after a fire? This endemic plant can grow up until 60 m, indeed, the tallest not imported tree in Spain is a 57 m tall pine tree in Tenerife island, it is between 700 and 1.000 years old. In 5 of the seven islands (except Fuerteventura and Lanzarote) there are important pine forests, it grows between 700 and 1.200 m of altitude. This pine has three needles per pod, it is the only one of its kind in Western Afro-Eurasia, being the closest in the Himalayas. The wood of the oldest trees was used a lot in the past, nowadays is protected. That wood wood has a high density, it sinks in water. It is highly regarded for its quality and durability. The tar of the pines was also used as a combustible. It has been exported to many countries around the world to replant devastated areas for their ability to grow and develop in rocky terrain with little organic matter, fire resistance and relatively rapid growth. Much of the water receiving the pine forests is captured by the pines themselves from the mist provided by the trade winds. Many places in the archipelago have been named after the pine tree or its uses: Pino Santo, Llanos de la Pez... And even the Virgin del Pino is the main patron of the Diocese of the Canary Islands, which includes Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura and Lanzarote.
Did you know that in the top of the island it usually occurs a beautiful atmospheric phenomenon: the sea of clouds, an accumulation of stratocumulus at a low altitude caused by the maritime winds full of humidity. Curiously it is warmer above the clouds than below them. When this sea of clouds occurs, Gran Canaria and Tenerife islands look like if they were together joined by the clouds with their tops above them. A water collecting technique takes advantage of this phenomena, it is called water of fog, it consists in trapping the water with big rectangular steel structures wrapped with nets, it copies the technique of many plants like the pine trees to take water from the fog. Garoé tree legend. According to chronicles of the Conquest, on the island of El Hierro there was a tree that bimbaches (natives of that island) called Garoé. The large leaves of Garoé were able to capture and distill water from the fog, it was collected in large cavities made by bimbaches around the tree. There was no water on the island of El Hierro apart from that. Therefore, the bimbache people had to Garoé by a deity. This mythical tree on a hillside was constantly washed by the trade winds. Upon arrival of the Spaniards, the bimbaches hid the quality of Garoé supposing the thirst did flee to the conquerors. But Agarfa a young girl bimbache, fell in love with an Andalusian soldier who was part of the expedition, and betraying his people led him directly to the tree. Shortly after, Armiche, the Mencey (king) was captured and with him all those who followed him and defended.
Did you know that in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria we celebrate the carnival at least since 1521? It is one of the oldest parties in Spain. A group of Genoeses who lived in the city brought the tradition from Italy. Nowadays is the most important event of the island and it has worldwide significance. We celebrate it every year in February during three weeks. There is a contest to choose the poster of the party every year and the carnival has its official hymn (http://m.youtube.com/watch? v=KD9_9SSs7M0 ). The party starts with an official announcement by an important person of the Canarian society in a huge stage it is built in Santa Catalina Park with the year's chosen topic for the party In that stage we also celebrate these different galas and contests: Queen of the carnival Between 15 and 20 women wearing spectacular dresses designed by important designers try to be the queen of the carnival for a year. The jury mainly value the costume's originality and its spectacular nature as well as the beauty of the candidates. There's also a children's and an elderly queen contest and an integration gala for disabled people. Drag queen This event is celebrated since 1998. This show has became one of the most original contributions to the carnival. The jury values the costumes, the making up and the artistic talent in dancing and interpretation of a musical show. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=pMtpRgg8J_Y Murgas The murgas are bands of 30-40 people, they sing using lyrics critical to politics or talking about problems of society in general, often with humor and irony . The compositions are made on the basis of popular songs changing the lyrics and accompanied with whistles (kazoo). Comparsas These musical groups are composed of three different parts: "batucada" they are in charge of the percussion and sound; "parranda" they sing the lyrics; and the "dance troupe" that develops the choreographies. It highlights the colorful costumes with feathers, sequins, meshes... Other contests -Body painting. -Dogs' costumes. -Adults costumes -Children costumes. -Photography. -Shop windows, facades and Interior Decoration. Other events -Street parade. -Passacaglias.
-Carnival by day. -Carnival nights in the streets. -Burial of the sardine: everybody wearing widow costumes cries in a street parade that ends burning a big fantasy sardine to say goodbye to the party until the next year...
Did you know that Christopher Columbus stopped in Gran Canaria on his first expedition to America? Christopher Columbus arrived on the island in 1492 to fix the rudder of the Pinta. The current Casa de Col贸n (museum) was the governor's house at that time and Columbus visited him to ask for help. At that time there were only a hundred houses in the city and the hermitage of San Antonio Abad. Columbus stopped two other times on the island in the next 3 expeditions to America. Nowadays, the Columbus Museum was established in this building after the union of several houses, in one of them was born the tenor Alfredo Kraus. In the old town you can also find: The cathedral It began to be built in the late fifteenth century with the Sevillian architect Juan de Palacios. The cathedral is Gothic inside and neoclassical outside. It is still unfinished. Santa Ana square It was built in the early sixteenthcentury and it was the firstrectangular Renaissancesquare of Spain. It was takenas a model for theconstruction of other squaresin America. In Santa Anasquare is the old town hall,the cathedral and theepiscopal palace. And many other interesting places you will visit during your stay here...
Did you know that "naife" is a Canarian word that comes from the English word "knife"? The blade of the naifes is made of iron and the handle with Mudejar geometrical motifs of goat horn, nickel, ivory and gold or silver. The ones for ornament use have an alpaca blade. The naifes are made principally in Gran Canaria where there is a high number of artisans who makes this work of art. The origin is dated in the 16th century and it is located in Albacete and Toledo, two Spanish regions with a large tradition in knives making. Historically it was used by the farmers and ranchers, nowadays it is also used as an ornament.
Did you know that Las Palmas de Gran Canaria has a wide cultural calendar along the year? The year starts with the International Music Festival during January and February with an excellent classic music programme, the principal place is the Alfredo Kraus Concert Hall but the festival takes place in the seven islands. Great musicians from all around the world and orchestras like the London Philharmonic Orchestra come to participate in this event that celebrated its 32th edition this year. In March the International Film Festival is organised in the city. This year it was the 16th edition. The Alfredo Kraus opera festival is held from February to May. The operas of the best composers are represented in this festival. This year the 49th edition is running . During July and August the dance and theatre festival takes place in several stages in the city since 1996. Theater and dance companies come from very different parts of the world to present their latest works. The Jazz festival is held in July in Fuerteventura, Tenerife and Gran Canaria. This year it will be the 25th edition. Since 1993 we can also enjoy the zarzuela festival in Autumn. The zarzuela is the Spanish lyrical poetry.
Did you know that Gran Canaria is a Biosphere Reserve since 2005? A 46% of its land is protected. The diversity of our flora and fauna; the singularity of our mountains and coasts and the activities carried out here by our people for centuries have made us deserve this international recognition by the UNESCO. From the top to the coast and alongside over 100,000 terrestrial and marine hectares which form the territory designated as Gran Canaria Biosphere Reserve, different natural landscapes of high biodiverse and geodiverse value can be seen. Human activity has melted with nature, taking advantage of every resource available to develop, since time immemorial to our days, singular activities. There's an action plan (2013-2020) for the preservation of: Forest Flora Fauna Marine and coastal areas. Landscape. The water resources. The ethnographic heritage. The archaeological heritage. The architectural heritage. We promote working models capable to keep a perfect balance between the socioeconomic development and respect to and coexistence with the natural and cultural values present in our Biosphere Reserve
Did you know that the Cueva Pintada in the north of Gran Canaria, GĂĄldar, is one of the most representative archaeological sites of the islands? It is a cave decorated with geometrical motifs. In the site there also are many houses of the aborigines where the archaeologists found lots of utensils. Next to this site, in GuĂa, there is another important site, the Cenobio de ValerĂłn, it is a collective silo, it has 298 compartments. Another emblematic remain of Gran Canaria is the Tara idol, it is a little figure made of terracotta and it is identified with the cult to the fertility
Did you know that the Canarian fencing (juego del palo) is an activity practised by the aborigines? It was related to shepherding and to selfdefence, for example during the conquest. The aboriginals had a poorly developed material culture, they did not know the manufacture and use of metal, they employed what the natural environment offered them as working tools and weapons: stones, bones, sticks and the body itself. Canary fencing is practiced in a playful way between two players. Prevailing respect for the adversary. The goal is to win without hitting, only the vital parts or less dangerous zones are touched. There is a wide variety of techniques that make the game fluid and spectacular. Have a look to these videos: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=OI5rxuIvwTk https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=N-BL0HznDTQ On the other hand, there's another spectacular practice from the preconquest period that has survived until nowadays, it is called the salto del pastor (jump of the shepherd). It is a technique of displacement by the islanders canyons using a conical stick that has one end topped by a metal part to support it on the floor. This activity arises from the steep and rugged features of the islands. DO NOT LOSE THIS AMAZING VIDEO https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=P0t3uAyp5E This same feature generated on the island of La Gomera, a language through whistles. It was declared intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO in 2009 and is taught in schools on the island today. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=nYKBTjSNMv8
Did you know that you can enjoy Las Canteras beach along the whole year? It is situated in the heart of the island's capital, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, and it is a three kilometres long sandy beach. The beach changes with the tides because it has a natural reef (La Barra) parallel to the coast along almost the whole beach. It is a beach for different types of users: families, young people, beach footballers, beach volley players, beach tennis players, kayakers, surfers, swimmers, snorkelling fans... The reef provides calm bathing conditions at low tide and offers a breathtaking underwater world. As well as a few shops, there are numerous restaurants on the long beach promenade serving local specialities. A beautiful sunset rounds off the beach trip. The beach has just raised the flag of the Q for Quality Tourism and adds to this award, the Blue Flag of the European Union, the ISO Environmental Management Certificate and Certificate of Universal Accessibility, which make it one of the best beaches valued in Spain. The beach was called initially Arrecife beach. Then the reef was used as a quarry (cantera in Spanish) to extract stones for buildings and it changed its name. All the isthmus was a sandy area with big dunes, nowadays it remains Las Canteras beach and Alcaravaneras beach in the east side. Curiosities You can see Tenerife island in front of the beach. The movie Moby Dick was shot here in the 50's by John Houston with Gregory Peck Every Christmas is made a huge sandy nativity scene. Every year by Saint John (June 24th) we celebrate the foundation of the city in the beach. There's a website exclusively for the beach called www.miplayadelascanteras.com where you can read news about the beach, stories or just have a look to three webcams.
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