Culture

An important landmark for the cultural development of the Canaries was the incorporation of the islands into the Castilian Crown by the end of the 15^th century, as from that time on Hispanic culture and tradition spread across all the islands of the archipelago.

The island boasts several interesting museums and culture centres, highlights of which are the Museo Elder de la Ciencia y la Tecnología (Science and Technology Museum) and the Casa de Colón (Christopher Columbus House), as well as the Centro Atlántico de Arte Moderno (Atlantic Centre of Modern Art) – all of them to be found in the city of Las Palmas itself.

After the subjugation by the Spaniards, Gran Canaria became a famous port of call for travellers, and many of them settled with their families on this beautiful island, bringing with them their own cultures and traditions. As Gran Canaria’s society was always open to everything that came from beyond the seas, the island has enriched itself with visiting cultures, although at all times aiming to preserve its ancient traditions to keep its original identity alive. Due to its long history, this cosmopolitan island became a synonym for cultural blending with a rich archaeological, architectural, ethnographic and artistic heritage – almost impossible to find in other places of such small dimensions.

The Canarios like to celebrate festivals, be it of religious or cultural nature, and there is always something going on somewhere on the island. Internationally-renowned festivals include the International Film Festival of Las Palmas, the Festival de Música de Canarias (Canarian Classical Music Festival) and the Festival de Ópera. Other events such as the WOMAD (World of Music and Dance) or the Festival de Teatro y Danza de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (Theatre and Dance Festival) bring still more influences of the international cultural panorama to this magnificent island.