On May 30, the Day of the Canary Islands is celebrated in all the islands of the archipelago. It is a day to champion the traditions, authenticity and history of these beautiful islands.
The Day of the Canary Islands commemorates the anniversary of the first session of the Parliament of the Canary Islands, which occurred on May 30, 1983. On that day, the Parliament of the Canary Islands was established as the administration and control body of the province.
Logically, it is celebrated as a public holiday throughout the Canary archipelago: El Hierro, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, La Gomera, La Graciosa, La Palma, Lanzarote and Tenerife. On this special day, there are many corners of the archipelago that put on the typical costume and dance steps are marked with the music of a rondalla.
Every May 30, festivities are celebrated in the streets of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria in which the island’s tradition, history, culture and identity are lived:
Paseo Romero: it is a meeting in the surroundings of the Santa Catalina Park and Las Canteras beach that highlights the traditions and popular culture of the islands in a playful and festive atmosphere.
Craft Market: in the same area there is a craft market that sets the scene for a day of Canarian festivities with typical products made by island artisans, as well as costume jewellery, decoration and much more, for the enjoyment of anyone who comes.
Meeting of Parrandas: the day before, in the popular neighborhood of Guanarteme in the capital of Gran Canaria, a meeting of parrandas is held, as well as an exhibition of native sports and children’s workshops.
Farmer’s Market: in the traditional neighborhood of San Lorenzo in the capital city, its usual festive atmosphere is expanded with folk music, children’s workshops and tasting of Canarian products for all its customers.
Gastronomy to taste on Canary Islands Day
Canarian cuisine is characterized by miscegenation, the fusion of elements and a marked contrast of flavors, the result of high-quality products and ingredients. And on this special day there is nothing better than enjoying the delights of island cuisine.
For Canarians, food is part of their identity, of vital importance in their culture and in their daily lives. For this reason, it is easy to find good places to eat the best of Canarian gastronomy.
Canarian cheeses convey characteristics that make them unique and special. Coverages of paprika, oil, gofio, smoked, fresh and tender, raw milk, mixtures, “handkerchief”, “rag”…
The best products of the island
Special mention deserves the unique Canarian wines, a product of the volcanic nature of the islands. Reds, whites, rosés, full-bodied, fruity, very aromatic… Talking about wine in the Canary Islands is talking about roots and love for the land.
The wine production of the archipelago is not only diverse but of great quality, something that is reflected in the ten Denominations of Origin that the Canary Islands have and in the numerous awards they receive each year.
And we have not yet talked about typical Canarian dishes as important as wrinkled potatoes with mojo, ropa vieja, sancocho, gofio or old woman on the back, among others; not to mention products as popular as the Canarian banana.