Canarian Identity & Peculiarities
The Canarian Soul
The Kanarios — as the inhabitants of the Canaries call themselves — have a unique identity that is neither purely Spanish nor African, but unique. They are proud of their islands, their history, and their culture — and differ in many ways from the mainland:
- Language: The Canarian dialect is immediately recognizable: The "s" at the end of words is swallowed (instead of "buenos días" you hear "bueno' día'"), the "c" and "z" are pronounced like "s" (not like "th" on the mainland). Many words come from Guanche or Latin American Spanish — the Canaries often feel closer to Latin America than to Madrid.
- El Silbo Gomero: The whistle language of the neighboring island La Gomera is UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. Shepherds communicated across ravines by translating the Spanish language into whistles — audible up to 4 km away. On La Gomera, El Silbo is still taught in schools.
- Timple: The Canarian ukulele — a small, five-stringed plucked instrument that shapes the sound of Canarian folk music. Ubiquitous in bars and at fiestas.
- Lucha Canaria: The Canarian wrestling is the national sport of the islands. Two wrestlers try to bring each other to the ground in a sand circle (Terrero) — without punches, only with grips and techniques. The rules date back to the Guanches. Competitions are held regularly — an authentic sporting experience.
Holidays & Festivals
- Carnival (Feb/Mar): The most important festival. In Santa Cruz, the second largest in the world, but every village celebrates.
- Corpus Christi (May/Jun): Flower carpets in La Orotava — one of the most beautiful festivals in the Canaries.
- Romería de San Roque (August): Pilgrimage in Garachico with decorated ox carts, traditional clothing, and lots of wine.
- Día de Canarias (May 30): Holiday of the Canary Islands with folk music, Lucha Canaria, and traditional food.
- Noche de San Juan (June 23): Summer solstice. Bonfires on the beach, midnight swimming, fire jumping — the most magical night of the year.
