Gofio, the Central Theme of Canary Islands Day Celebrations in Santa Lucía de Tirajana

The municipality of Gran Canaria organizes over twenty cultural and festive activities until the end of May, highlighting the importance of gofio as a symbol of identity.

Image of a traditional Canarian mill, with grinding stone and wooden mechanisms.
IA

Image of a traditional Canarian mill, with grinding stone and wooden mechanisms.

The municipality of Santa Lucía de Tirajana, in Gran Canaria, has unveiled an extensive program for Canary Islands Day, running until May 31, with gofio as a central element of its cultural identity.

The cultural and festive agenda, under the slogan 'Santa Lucía de Tirajana: celebrating our heritage, savoring identity', was presented at the Gofio Museum. It includes over twenty activities, ranging from concerts and taifa dances to gastronomic workshops, traditional games, and craft fairs.

"We understand that gofio is much more than food; it is an element of Canarian identity, as it has been part of our diet since before the conquest. The ancient Canarians already consumed gofio."

the mayor
The mayor, accompanied by the Identity councilor, emphasized the symbolic value of gofio in Canarian culture, advocating for an open and inclusive celebration of traditions. The aim is to assert Canarian identity while respecting all cultures, sharing heritage with people from diverse backgrounds.
The program, designed for all ages, began with a traveling exhibition of dolls in traditional Canarian attire, crafted by an artisan from Telde, which will be open until May 15 at the municipal offices. These pieces, based on historical documentation, represent various clothing styles from the seven islands during the 18th century.
Among the prominent events is the La Isla de Mi Vida School and Family Festival, scheduled for Friday, May 22, in Plaza de San Rafael, in Vecindario. This event, sponsored by the Cabildo de Gran Canaria, will bring together over 600 students to celebrate Canarian folklore and traditional music. On the same day, the La Zafra Museum will host the presentation of the book Los bailes tradicionales de Santa Lucía.
Gastronomy and crafts will play a central role between May 28 and 30 with the Craft and Gastronomy Fair in Plaza de Los Algodoneros. Workshops on preparing escaldado gofio and frangollo will be offered at Molino Pérez Gil. Avenida de Canarias will transform into a popular gathering space with craft workshops, traditional games, and folk performances.
On May 29, a display of traditional games and sports will take place, along with family craft workshops and another frangollo gastronomic workshop. The day will culminate with the traditional Gran Baile de Taifas. Canary Islands Day, on May 30, will feature the 'Tres latidos' show and a concert by Olga Cerpa y Mestisay. The celebrations will conclude on Sunday, May 31, in Santa Lucía town center with another Baile de Taifas and a tasting of typical Canarian tapas.