Monday 30 May is a day for all Canarians, and all those who love the Canary Islands, to be proud! Proud of our beautiful islands, our rich heritage, the way of life and the enjoyment that they give to so many people. This is the day when the Canary Islands, a Spanish Autonomous Community, became integrated into the European Union as a peripheral territory deserving of preferential treatment. It marks the anniversary of the autonomous Canary Islands’ Parliament's first session, which took place on May 30, 1983.
The Canary Islands are a long way away from the Spanish Peninsular, yet are very much part of Spain and also part of Europe. It is easy to forget that Gran Canaria is at the southernmost tip of Europe and our closest neighbours are those parts of Africa with a more European outlook. The islands are a bridge between Africa and Europe with a strong link to parts of America. It is worth remembering that America opened its doors wide for the thousands of Canary Islanders who crossed the Atlantic in times of hardship looking for a better future. Many have since returned with their children and grandchildren. Europeans, Africans and Americans meet in the Canary Islands, a true intercultural link and an open, welcoming land for the millions of tourists who come to discover the beauty of these islands.
Many cultural activities and celebrations are arranged for Canary Islands’ Day each year. Schools make a special point of teaching children about the rich history and culture of the Canary Islands and organise parties and events for children in the days before the special day. Many people hold private parties at home or in restaurants on the evening of May 29. It is a time for great celebration and joy.
Now for the history and geography lessons. The Canary Islands consist of seven inhabited islands off the coast of Africa, which are: Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura, Lanzarote, Tenerife, El Hierro, La Palma and La Gomera. There is also the Chinijo Archipelago, which includes the tiny islands of La Graciosa, Alegranza, Montaña Clara, Roque del Este and Roque del Oeste. Although these islands form an autonomous community within Spain, they are closer to Morocco and the Western Sahara. The Romans too were aware of the Canary Islands, but they remained independent until the Spanish invasion of the islands in 1402, when the islands became part of the Kingdom of Castile in 1495.
This is a day when we celebrate with pride and wish to share just a taste of these wonderful islands with our visitors, as well as those who live and work here. If you have never visited us, maybe one day you should.
About the author: Barrie Mahoney was a teacher, head teacher and school inspector in the UK, as well as a reporter in Spain, before moving to the Canary Islands as a newspaper editor. He is still enjoying life in the sun as a writer and author.
If you enjoyed this article, take a look at Barrie’s websites: www.barriemahoney.com and www.thecanaryislander.com or read his latest book, ‘Letters from the Atlantic’ (ISBN: 978 184 386 6459).
© Barrie Mahoney
0 comments:
Post a Comment