La Graciosa Hosts Timple Gathering with Canarian Music and Tradition

The thirteenth edition of the event, part of the Canary Islands Month program, featured educational concerts, contemporary fusions, and a craft fair in Caleta de Sebo.

Image of a Canarian timple at a cultural event in La Graciosa.
IA

Image of a Canarian timple at a cultural event in La Graciosa.

The island of La Graciosa became the epicenter of traditional Canarian music this weekend, hosting the thirteenth edition of the Timple Gathering, an event that is part of the Canary Islands Month program.

The event, held in Caleta de Sebo, was framed under this edition's official motto, “We Are Heritage of the Canary Islands,” aiming to bring the rich musical and cultural heritage of the archipelago to all audiences, with a special emphasis on education and the preservation of the island's legacy.
During the gathering, timple player José Javier Machado, originally from Los Realejos, offered an educational concert at the Sociocultural Center of La Graciosa, aimed at students from CEO Ignacio Aldecoa. This initiative allowed young people to become familiar with the timple and Canarian musical tradition, reinforcing the festival's educational character.
In the evening, Machado returned to the Plaza de la Caleta del Sebo, this time in a quartet format, to present his project “Fusión,” which combines traditional music with contemporary sounds. The performance was met with great enthusiasm by both residents and visitors to the island.
On the same day, timple player Alexis Lemes, from Lanzarote, presented his project “Guiguan” alongside guitarist Javier Infante. Their repertoire, which fuses jazz, world music, and island roots, offered a musical experience connecting Canarian tradition with global styles, reflecting the archipelago's cultural diversity.
In addition to the music, on Saturday, May 9, the second edition of the Feria Chinija was held on Virgen del Mar Avenue, in Caleta de Sebo. Artisans from La Graciosa and Lanzarote showcased their creations, highlighting the value of local craftsmanship and the artistic heritage of the islands. These initiatives strengthen the connection between music, culture, and tradition, allowing residents and visitors to discover unique products and learn more about local heritage.
The Sociocultural Center also hosted the exhibition “The Timple. Echoes of Identity,” curated by Daniel Morales. The exhibition explored the history of the instrument and its influence on Canarian music, including historical Canarian folklore records from the 1950s to more recent recordings, as well as music teaching manuals.
The Canary Islands Month, which extends beyond the traditional Canary Islands Day, includes over 110 activities across all islands under the motto “We Are Heritage of the Canary Islands.” Its objective is to recognize and preserve the traditions, history, and identity of the Canarian population, offering citizens and visitors various cultural manifestations.