The Canary Islands and Puerto Rico share more history than the Atlantic Ocean between them might suggest.
This Saturday, 19 September, La Laguna will host the first cultural meeting between the two regions, bringing together music, crafts, oral traditions and shared heritage at the Convent of Santo Domingo.
Organised by Orilla Cultural with support from La Laguna Town Hall, the event will explore the connections between the Canary Islands and Puerto Rico, including the influence of migration and the way traditions have developed across generations.
Entry to the activities in the Crystal Room is free.
From Canary Rosettes to the Soles of Naranjito
One of the main attractions will be the exhibition ‘From the Canary Rosette to the Sun of Naranjito’, open from 11:00 to 19:00.
The exhibition will explore the traditional craft of the Canary Rosette, how the skill has been passed down through generations and its links to migration.
It will then turn its attention to the Soles de Naranjito, an important craft tradition connected to the cultural identity of the Puerto Rican municipality.
The programme will also examine the Hatillo Mask Festival, a major celebration in Puerto Rico. The exhibition will look at research and oral traditions linking the festival to Canarian heritage, alongside its development and roots within the Hatillo community.
Workshops, Books and Puerto Rican Music
The day begins at 11:00 with a décima workshop and the presentation of Omar Santiago’s book, La Décima del Encanto.
The décima is an important part of Puerto Rican oral and musical tradition, and the workshop will offer visitors an introduction to its role in storytelling and music.
At midday, Puerto Rican musician Christian Nieves will lead a masterclass on the cuatro, exploring the instrument’s history, characteristics and musical possibilities.
Nieves comes from Naranjito and grew up in a family closely connected to traditional Puerto Rican music. He has since developed an international career, collaborating with artists including Ricky Martin and Daddy Yankee.
His cuatro playing also features in the production of the global hit Despacito.
Not a bad instrument to have in your musical CV.
Evening Performance by Decimanía
The evening programme begins at 17:00 with a performance by Decimanía, featuring guest artist Candelaria González.
The show will bring together musical traditions from the Canary Islands and Puerto Rico through décima, folk music and oral storytelling.
The performance is intended to create a conversation between the two traditions, highlighting the similarities and differences that have developed over time.
A Shared Atlantic Heritage
The event is about more than migration alone.
It will explore the links between the Canary Islands and Puerto Rico through singing styles, instruments, craftsmanship, celebrations, language and customs.
Although the two territories are separated by thousands of kilometres, their histories have created cultural connections that continue to evolve.
The organisers hope the meeting will provide an opportunity for knowledge-sharing and cultural exchange, while recognising both the traditions the communities have in common and the distinctive ways they have developed.
It is a reminder that cultural heritage does not always stay neatly within national borders. Sometimes it travels with people, settles somewhere new and carries on changing.