The Consistorial Theatre of Gáldar hosted this Wednesday the traditional Extraordinary Chapter of the Canarian Institute of Historical Studies “King Fernando Guanarteme”, as part of the Major Festivals of Santiago. This solemn event pays homage to the figure of the last indigenous king of Gran Canaria, Tenesor Semidán.
This edition's lecture, titled “From Gáldar to Paris, the Discreet and Fortunate Andamana,” was delivered by Doctor of Philology and University Professor Antonio Becerra Bolaños. He analyzed the various historical and literary representations of Andamana, the queen who unified the island of Gran Canaria and founded a significant family in Gáldar.
Through texts from the 16th to the 19th centuries, Becerra Bolaños examined how island and foreign historians and writers projected their political and social ideals onto Andamana, creating an image that oscillates between history and legend. The lecture also delved into her dual role as queen and mother, highlighting her as a relevant female figure from Gran Canaria's pre-Hispanic past.
The first deputy mayor of Gáldar, Julio Mateo Castillo, thanked the Institute, recipient of the Gold Medal of the Royal City of Gáldar. He emphasized that the event is a “great cultural reference” of the Major Festivals, allowing attendees to “approach the roots of our history and reflect on the people who contributed to forging our people's identity.” He congratulated Antonio Becerra Bolaños for his “brilliant intervention.”
The city's official chronicler, Juan Sebastián López García, introduced the speaker. The event was attended by the Institute's president and secretary, authorities, researchers, and a large audience. New members of the Institute were welcomed: José-Vidal Bolaños Betancort, Pablo Esper-Chain Ojeda, Javier Gil Pérez, Magdala O’Shanahan Socorro, and Luz-Marina Medina Mejías.
Following the lecture, a historical procession took place from the Consistorial House to the Plaza de los Heredamientos for the floral offering to Fernando Guanarteme.
