History and Culture of the Canary Islands
What is a Gathering?
In the mid-eighteenth century, intellectual meetings of friends, known as gatherings or “tertulias,” were common. These gatherings were informal at first but gradually became more institutionalized, serving as forums for discussion, debate, and the exchange of ideas. One notable example is the Tertulia de Nava, created by the Marquis de Villanueva del Prado, Tomas Lino Nava, and Grimón. This group was particularly interested in the nature of technical progress and science.
The Role of the Seminario Conciliar de Las Palmas
The Seminario Conciliar de Las Palmas aimed to improve the training of the secular clergy. However, due to the lack of other educational institutions on the island, many young people without religious vocations also received their secondary education there. As a result, it became a school of great importance in the Canary Islands.
The Society of Friends of the Country of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
The Society of Friends of the Country of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria focused on promoting the arts, improving local industry, agriculture, and education.
Biography of José Viera y Clavijo
José Viera y Clavijo was born in Realejo Alto, Tenerife, in 1731. He was ordained a priest in Las Palmas in 1755 and settled in the lagoon in 1757, where he attended the Gathering of Nava. In 1770, he went to Madrid and traveled to various gatherings in Europe in 1776. In 1777, he was appointed Supernumerary Member of the Royal Academy of History for his publications on the Canary Islands. He founded and directed the College of San Marcial Rubicon in 1785 and died in 1813. Viera y Clavijo was a prolific writer, known for his picaresque novel “Jorge Sargo’s Life,” poetry books, literary works, and his well-known “News of the General History of the Canary Islands” and other scientific publications like the “Dictionary of Natural History of the Canary Islands.”
Colonels and Personeros
Colonels were trustees nominated by the commanding general. Personeros were elective representatives of the people within the councils or town councils. They had a voice but no vote.
Baroque Architecture in the Canary Islands
Baroque architecture in the Canary Islands was characterized by the use of wood for decoration. Churches saw significant development during this period, with coffered ceilings being replaced by vaults and domes on the cruise. An example of this style is Our Lady of the Conception in La Orotava.
The Most Important Canarian Sculptor
José Luján Pérez (1756-1815) was a renowned Canarian sculptor who created many images of the Virgin Mary, developing a model with features of the Canarian woman. An example of his work can be found in the Cathedral of Las Palmas.
Barilla and its Uses
Barilla is a plant that, after harvest, is dried and burned. The resulting compact, stone-like form was used to obtain soda, which was used in the manufacture of soaps.
The Epidemic of “Csmell” in Las Palmas
The epidemic of “csmell” in Las Palmas had devastating consequences for the island’s population. People were unable to eat staple foods, and their weakened immune systems made them highly susceptible to infection. The epidemic caused the death of 20% of the population of Las Palmas and led to significant emigration to countries like Cuba and Puerto Rico.
Revitalization of Canarian Ports
The revitalization of Canarian ports during the crisis was achieved through the establishment of “francos,” which meant the elimination of taxes for exports and most imports.
Cochineal and its Uses
Cochineal is an insect that parasitizes prickly pear cacti. The fruit of the prickly pear, known as the “rascal,” was used for coloring candles and other products naturally.
New Export Crops of the Nineteenth Century
The nineteenth century saw the rise of new export crops in the Canary Islands, including tomatoes and potatoes (from America) and bananas (originally from Asia, introduced to Africa, then to the Canary Islands, and finally to England and the British Empire via the Canary Islands).
Social Groups in the Canary Islands
Canarian society in the nineteenth century was divided into three main groups:
- The Oligarchy: This group comprised 2% of the population and monopolized economic power based on land and water ownership and, in some cases, trade. They increased their wealth by acquiring land from ruined peasants, exercised patronage, and lived in major cities.
- The Middle Class: This group (13% of the population) consisted of city merchants, small and medium landowners, professionals, staff, and low-ranking military commanders.
- The Lower Class: This group made up 85% of the population and included farmers, laborers, sharecroppers, tenants, rural dwellers, artisans, merchants, employees, and servants in the cities. They were often exploited, had a high illiteracy rate, lacked insurance, and lived in unhealthy dwellings.
Insular Litigation
Insular litigation manifested in the struggle for the capital of the Canary Islands and the provincial division. Santa Cruz de Tenerife became the capital of the Canary Islands in 1822, and the province of Canary was divided into two administrative districts in 1852. The dispute intensified in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.