This is yours truly with another episode of some news from Spain !!! Lots of things going on This is Spain, let me tell you my latest news chosen by yours truly, By the way CLXIX is old Roman numeral for 169, Hope you enjoy this post as I.
I think to do a post alone on this entry as it is touching for me and my family, If you have been reading my blog, you know my ancestors from grandparents back are from Tenerife, my maternal grandparents are from Pajarà (south of Güímar) and my paternal grandparents are from Candelaria, The connection from where I was born many years ago is strong, these people in large numbers emigrated to Cuba from all the islands of the Islas Canarias , all 7 of them, The traditions have been exchange from one place to the other and this is one that was held recently and made me do this post, With much pleasure and pride to you all,
The Carnival de Los Indianos (as coming from the Indes, the name thought first by Cristobal Colon) , The biggest is at the island of La Palma , the return of those who emigrated to Cuba at the end of the 19C is commemorated. They returned in their elegant dresses and white suits, eager to show how well they had fared. Since then, these Indianos have been imitated and satirized until they became the symbol of this annual celebration. It was born in Santa Cruz de La Palma , the capital of the Canary Island , following the return of the Palmeros (cigar rollers se webpage museum below) who emigrated to Cuba
and returned enriched after traveling to the Americas , when it was much easier to travel to Cuba than to the Peninsula (Spain). At the end of the 19C, these elegant repatriates began to return to La Palma
with their elegant dresses and white suits, lavish money, servants, and, above all, a desire to show how well they had fared. Since then, these Indianos have been imitated and satirized, and later became the symbol of this unique festival. Their legacy lives on in an annual celebration that mixes admiration, mockery, and envy.
In the Plaza de España in Santa Cruz de La Palma, renamed Plaza de La Habana for a day, the Carnaval de Los Indianos unfolds a unique spectacle every Carnival Monday: 19C white linen costumes, people covered in talcum powder, and an explosion of Cuban music that revives the legacy of migrants returning from the Americas. The figure of La Negra Tomasa, representing a Cuban wet nurse, presides over the celebration with her vitality, provocative grace, and self-confidence, dancing to the most vibrant Caribbean rhythms. Some people from La Palma have fun dressing up as La Negra Tomasa, although the true master of ceremonies of the celebration is represented by the legendary Víctor Lorenzo Díaz “Sosó,” who, despite being over 80 years old, has been embodying this wet nurse of the Cuban plantations for three decades. Her costume, voluminous skirts, flowers, lace, accessories, and garish colors, captures the festive and satirical spirit of the festival. With exaggerated makeup and a carefree attitude, Sosó embodies the transgressive joy that defines the Indianos festival.
After the grand landing of Negra Tomasa, the climax comes on the morning of Indianos Monday, the day Santa Cruz de La Palma fills with hundreds of participants elegantly dressed in stark white and brandishing wads of fake bills that allude to the money brought by the repatriated immigrants. At midday, clouds of talcum powder fly up, symbolizing mockery of those Indianos who, according to one legend, arrived covered in road dust or sugar from Cuban factories. Talc, formerly known as flour, became increasingly popular beginning in the 1980s. Over time, debate has swirled about its environmental impact, but its proponents emphasize cleaning protocols and its economic boost. In 2023, 12 tons were collected, of which 80% was recycled. Another interesting fact: the cloud of talcum powder reaches the third floor of the houses on Calle Real in Santa Cruz de La Palma.
Another fable tells that the use of talcum powder has its roots in the ritual of the Cuban ñáñigos (meaning equivalent to saying “brothers or companions of the Leopard.” Belonging to or relating to the ancient Cuban secret society Abakuá, formed only by Black people.,once a secret society of former slaves), who bleached their skin as part of their traditions. This peaceful yet chaotic battle was banned at the beginning of the 20C because it was considered to disturb public order and later revived. Music is another central element of the Carnaval de Los Indianos de La Palma , whose origins date back to the 1960s. Live musicians play rumbas, Cuban sones, and congas, blended with traditional Canarian rhythms, continuing into the night at different points in the city. The Indianas’ (women) costume consists of late 19C and early 20C dresses with refined details such as lace , complemented by flower-decorated hats, gloves, parasols, fans, and jewelry. This elegant ensemble reflects the colonial influence and style of the women from
La Palma who returned from the Americas . Typically, the men’s attire consists of frock coats or full suits evoking the style of former emigrants. Cotton vests, guayaberas, and Panama hats are key pieces of the attire. Accessories include suitcases, a pocket watch, cigars, and wads of bills. Sunglasses are not a typical 19C addition, but they help with the strong midday sun and, above all, to avoid the dreaded talcum powder in the eyes. Today, the La Palma diaspora in Cuba also celebrates this tradition, thus closing a historical circle that unites both sides of the Atlantic.
The La Palma island tourist office on its culture : https://visitlapalma.es/experiencias/fiestas-mas-populares-de-la-palma/
The La Palma island tourist office on the museo del puro palmero : https://visitlapalma.es/fr/musees-et-visites-dinteret/la-palma/museo-del-puro-palmero/
The Tenerife tourist office on Candelaria : https://www.webtenerife.co.uk/buscador/?key=candelaria
The Las Antiguas City hall covers Pajarà which is a very small village today : https://ayto-antigua.es/
There you go folks, another dandy tour of my dear Spain. It is time to enjoy my some news from Spain once again, Remember, Spain is everything under the Sun ! A very special post, always remember where it all begin, it is you ! Again, hope you enjoy the post as I.
And remember ,happy travels, good health, and many cheers to all !!!
Paris1972-Versailles2003 