The soul of La Palma
Tangible and intangible cultural heritage
Talking about the culture and cultural heritage of a place is a challenge. Trying to cover everything without leaving anything important out and being representative is complicated. We want to capture the essence of everything that has made this place special, gathering its history and the symbolism of its popular manifestations.
From the first settlers of La Palma until today, from generation to generation, an incredible heritage has been formed, both tangible and intangible. It is especially noteworthy:
ARCHAEOLOGY
One of the most representative things of the island are the archaeological remains that show us how the first pre-Hispanic inhabitants of La Palma lived. There are hundreds of caves, from the coast to the summits, where pottery, engravings and stone carvings, basketwork, bone remains, etc. have been found. Currently, the island has five specific interpretation centers, 18 protected sites and some 5,000 engravings inventoried in the Island Archaeological Chart.
CONQUEST AND ITS HISTORICAL LEGACY
After the island was incorporated into the Crown of Castile in the 15th century and the aboriginal people were subjugated and enslaved, new inhabitants arrived and brought with them their cultural traditions. The privileged geographical location of La Palma and its commercial activity through the port, especially thanks to the sugar trade, brought to the island Flemish works from the 16th and 17th centuries, which can be seen in churches and chapels all over the island.
MELTING POT OF CULTURES
At the end of the 17th century transoceanic migratory movements began, which became structural in the history of the Canary Islands until the middle of the 20th century, especially to South and Central America. This commercial prosperity and the migrations left an exuberant religious and civil architecture, with European and American influences. In addition, the speech in La Palma, inherited from the Sevillian conquistadors, has a leisurely and welcoming character, closer to the overseas heritage than to the Hispanic one.
FOLKLORE
Traditional dress has become a symbol of each municipality of La Palma, consolidated since the 18th century. Folk music, which was born from the songs to cope with daily tasks, has evolved and now includes influences from throughout the history of La Palma.
FESTIVALS, CELEBRATIONS AND PERFORMANCES
Festivals and celebrations are another way to highlight a territory. And any excuse is a good one to celebrate in our Island, but we are going to collect at least those that are catalogued as festivals of tourist interest:
- Fiesta de la Danza del Diablo in Tijarafe.
- Holy Week in Santa Cruz de La Palma
- Feast of the Burial of the Sardine in San Andrés y Sauces.
- Almond Tree Festival in Floren Puntagorda
- Fiestas Lustrales de la Bajada de la Virgen in Santa Cruz de La Palma
- Corpus Christi in Villa de Mazo
Besides these, there are many other festivities and celebrations, many of them of religious character.
CRAFTSMANSHIP
Traditional crafts have been fundamental in the history of La Palma. The island is famous for its embroidery and fretwork, silk work, basketry and pottery that recreates that of the aborigines.
GASTRONOMY
The gastronomy of La Palma is characterized by stews, roasts and simple meat and fish dishes, accompanied by gofio, potatoes and sweet potatoes, salt, cheese and mojos. The island's confectionery is especially significant, with almonds as the main ingredient in many recipes. Nowadays, there is a commitment to reinterpret this traditional cuisine with innovative techniques.
In short, La Palma has a cultural heritage that has a peculiar imprint based on the assimilation and integration of cultures that intermingle over time, giving rise to a melting pot of material and immaterial manifestations that are appreciated as a heritage spread throughout the island's geography, in the customs and in its people.