Culture and gastronomy of the Canary islands: tradition, flavor and roots alive

Explore the culture and cuisine in the Canary islands is to enter a world of centuries-old traditions, historical influences and authentic flavours. Each island of the archipelago retains a unique identity, forged by its geographical isolation, the diversity of its landscape and the open character of its inhabitants. From folk music to artisan cheeses, culture canaria live, savor, and share.

A culture marked by the mixture and the tradition

The history of the Canary islands is a story of encounters. The influence guanche (aboriginal), Spanish, african and Latin american has shaped a cultural identity that is rich and diverse, which is expressed in their customs, architecture, music and popular festivities:

• Canary folklore: with instruments such as the guitar and traditional dances such as the isa or the folía.
• Traditional architecture: balconies of wood, white houses with interior courtyards and molinos de gofio.
• Popular parties: as the Carnival, the Descent of the Virgin into La Palma or the pilgrimages in each island.
• Language: with vocabulary canario very characteristic and local expressions full of color.

Gastronomy canaria: the taste of the Atlantic and of the earth

Canarian cuisine is simple, flavorful, and deeply linked to the territory. Based on local ingredients and traditional recipes, it represents the essence of the diet of the atlantic:

• Wrinkled potatoes with mojo: the most emblematic dish, accompanied by red or green sauce.
• Gofio: roasted flour of cereals consumed in broth, milk, desserts or mixing with honey.
• Fresh fish: as the old, the wreck fish or tuna, prepared on the grill or in a stew.
• Artisan cheeses: especially the majorero cheese, palmero and herreño, many with denomination of origin.
• Tropical fruit: such as bananas, papayas, mangoes or avocados grown in volcanic soils.
• Wine volcanic: with unique varieties such as malvasia Lanzarote or the listán negro de Tenerife.

Cultural experiences, dining and for the traveler

Travel the Canary islands is an opportunity to immerse yourself in their way of life. Some experiences that are recommended include:

• Visit local markets: as the Market of Vegueta (Gran Canaria) or Our Lady of Africa (Tenerife).
• To participate in a pilgrimage: popular festival, where it mixes the religious devotion with music, costumes and traditional food.
• Wine tours: especially in Lanzarote, Tenerife and La Palma, where you can taste unique wines at family wineries.
• Cooking workshops canaria: learn how to prepare mojos, gofio, stews and local desserts.
• Ethnographic museums and country houses: where to know the history of old crafts and traditional life canaria.

Tips to enjoy the culture and cuisine canary

• Explore peoples less tourist to discover the most authentic part of the local culture.
• Question for the dishes of the day and seasonal products in the restaurants.
• Attend cultural events or trade fairs, during your visit: there is always something to celebrate.
• Speaking with the local people: they will be happy to share their customs and flavors.

A sensory journey that goes beyond the landscape

The culture and cuisine in the Canary islands they are the soul of the archipelago. Through their dishes, their feasts, their sounds and their customs, the traveler can really understand what is special about these islands. It is a journey that you sit down with your taste buds, you listen with your heart and remember with all the senses.