Canary Islands' Anthem Could Recognize La Graciosa as Eighth Island

The Gomera Socialist Group (ASG) promotes a reform to update the regional anthem's lyrics and reflect institutional reality.

Generic image of a microphone on a podium in the Parliament of the Canary Islands.
IA

Generic image of a microphone on a podium in the Parliament of the Canary Islands.

The spokesperson for the Gomera Socialist Group (ASG) parliamentary group, Melodie Mendoza, has advocated in the Parliament of the Canary Islands for modifying the Anthem Law to recognize La Graciosa as the archipelago's eighth island.

The proposal aims to adapt the lyrics of the Canary Islands' Anthem to the Statute of Autonomy, which officially recognized La Graciosa as the eighth island in 2018. Mendoza described the reform as “simple in form, but profoundly significant in what it represents,” especially for the residents of La Graciosa.
The deputy for La Gomera emphasized that this update is a “natural” step for the Canary Islands' symbols to reflect the archipelago's institutional, territorial, and emotional reality. “Symbols do matter; they matter when they help build belonging, when no one feels invisible, and when they serve to unite rather than exclude,” she stated.
According to Mendoza, the reference to the eight islands in the anthem will convey a message of unity, indicating that “the Canary Islands move forward united, that all islands count, and that every corner of the Archipelago has a place in our collective voice.” She highlighted the importance of recognition for non-capital islands, noting that “being recognized is also a form of dignity.”
The ASG representative stressed that the proposal arises “from consensus and respect,” considering it a “space for understanding, union, recognition, and shared identity” in the current political context. She underlined that the Canary Islands are an Archipelago of eight distinct islands but united under one flag.