Culture

An important landmark for the cultural development of the Canary Islands was the incorporation of the islands in 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 und culture centres, highlights of which are the recent Museo de la Ciencia y la Tecnologia (Science and Technology Museum) and the Casa de Colón (Christopher Columbus House) as well as the Centro Atlântico de Arte Moderno (Atlantic Centre of Modern Art) – all of them are in the city of Las Palmas.

After the subjugation by the Spaniards, Gran Canaria Island 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 ‘culture blends’ with a rich archaeological, architectural, ethnographic and artistic heritage – difficult to find in other places of such small dimensions.

The 'Canarios' like to celebrate festivals, if of religious, folkloristic or cultural nature, and there is always something going on somewhere on the island. In the meantime a firm place on the island’s agenda have internationally renowned festivals such as the International Film Festival of Las Palmas, the Festival de Música de Canarias (Canaries Classic Music Festival) and the Festival de Ópera (Opera Festival). Other events like the WOMAD (World of Music, Arts and Dance) or the Festival de Teatro y Danza de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (Theater and Dance Festival of Gran Canaria) bring still more influences of the international cultural panorama to this magnificent island.

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