Lanzarote is a beautiful island located in the Canary Islands, known for its warm climate and stunning beaches. However, the island also has a rich history that is often overlooked.
In this blog post, we will delve into the historical importance of Lanzarote and the Canary Islands, and how they played a crucial role in trade between Europe, Africa, and the Americas.
We'll also explore the current cultural links between the Canary Islands and the Americas.
The Canary Islands have been known since ancient times. The ancient Romans called them the Fortunate Isles, believing them to be the blessed gardens of the Hesperides. The islands were also known to the ancient Egyptians, Phoenicians, and Greeks.
However, it was the arrival of the Europeans in the 15th century that brought the Canary Islands to the forefront of global trade.
The Canary Islands played a crucial role in the trade routes between Europe, Africa, and the Americas. The islands were a convenient stopover point for ships traveling between the Old World and the New World. The islands' strategic location made them a hub for trade, and they quickly became a major center for trade in sugar, wine, and other agricultural products.
The Canary Islands also played a crucial role in the slave trade. The islands were a major port of call for slave ships traveling between Africa and the Americas. It is estimated that over 1.5 million slaves passed through the Canary Islands on their way to the New World.
The Canary Islands have a rich cultural heritage that is strongly influenced by their historical trade links with the Americas. The islands have a strong Latin American influence, and many traditional Canarian dishes have a Caribbean twist. The island's music, too, has been heavily influenced by the rhythms and melodies of Latin America.
One interesting fact is that the traditional Canarian instrument, the "timple" has its roots in the Caribbean, specifically in the island of Cuba.
The instrument, which is similar to a ukulele, is used to play traditional Canarian music, which is heavily influenced by the rhythms and melodies of Latin America.
Another interesting fact is that the island of Lanzarote has a strong connection with the island of Cuba. The island of Lanzarote was once an important stopover point for ships traveling between Spain and the New World.
Many sailors from Lanzarote settled in Cuba and other parts of the Caribbean, and they brought with them their culture, traditions, and customs. This has led to a strong cultural connection between the Canary Islands and the Caribbean, which can still be seen today.
This rich history of Lanzarote and the Canary Islands is often overlooked when we think of how the modern world is shaped. The islands played a crucial role in trade between Europe, Africa, and the Americas.
Their historical trade links have had a lasting impact on their culture and heritage still recognisable today, from music to food and even in the spoken dialect.
But even beyond these beautiful instances, there is a wider impact that whether or not you speak Spanish, have visited Lanzarote or the Canary Islands, chances are if you are reading this, those historical ripples have even touched your modern life!