The capital of La Palma has once again been blanketed in white today (Monday) as the island celebrated its iconic Los Indianos festival. This annual event, a key part of the island's Carnival, brings thousands of people to the streets to commemorate the return of Canarians who had emigrated to Cuba.
The celebration transforms the Plaza de España into a scene reminiscent of Havana, with talcum powder filling the air, Cuban music playing throughout the city, and participants dressed in traditional white linen garments.
One of the festival's most beloved figures, La Negra Tomasa, portrayed each year by Víctor Lorenzo Díaz Molina, also known as ‘Sosó’, made her much-anticipated appearance, marking the official start of the festivities.
The tradition sees La Negra Tomasa arrive at the port of Santa Cruz de La Palma, where hundreds of eager onlookers await her. She then makes her way to the Plaza de España, the heart of the celebrations.
The streets are filled with the sounds of guarachas and Cuban sones as revellers engage in the playful ritual of throwing talcum powder, adding to the joyous and carefree atmosphere.
A Celebration of History and Satire
The tradition of Los Indianos takes place every Carnival Monday, with Santa Cruz de La Palma transformed into a spectacle of white attire and talcum powder. The event is a parody of the wealthy Canarian emigrants who made their fortune in America, particularly in Cuba, and returned to the island showing off their newfound wealth and elegance.
Men and women dress in white, donning linen suits, Panama hats, and fans, embodying the style of the high-society ‘Indianos’. The talcum powder, thrown liberally throughout the day, adds a satirical edge to the celebration, poking fun at the ostentation of the returning emigrants.
Los Indianos is more than just a festival; it is a cultural homage to La Palma's migratory history and a vivid expression of the island’s identity. Each year, it draws visitors from around the world who come to experience the unique blend of humour, history, and community spirit that defines this remarkable event.
