What are the best ways to relive Pirate history in the Canaries?
When you think of pirates, the Caribbean islands probably spring to mind. But did you know that the Canary Islands have their fair share of pirate history as well?
The Canaries have an interesting history of naval battles and pirate raids, as these islands were a crucial stop-off point between the different continents. If you’re interested in pirates, you can enjoy various re-enactments of these famous events when holidaying here.
Still a Strong Fascination with Pirates in Popular Culture
Even though classic pirates with eye patches and peg legs like the ones depicted in Treasure Island are a thing of the past, there’s still a widespread fascination with them in popular culture. This is highlighted by the huge popularity of the Pirates of the Caribbean series, which is one of the most successful franchises of all time.
More recently, series such as Black Sails have kept the genre alive. The offering from Jonathan E. Steinberg and Robert Levine was a prequel to Robert Louis Stevenson's iconic 1883 novel, and allowed people to get to know the legendary characters in their earlier days.
The gaming industry has also ensured that a lot of people have a way to discover the pirate genre. Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag, for instance, is often regarded as one of the top titles in the stealth series. When people play classic slots online, they’ll also find various titles based on pirates. One of the best options is Seven 7’s, which features stormy seas, ghost ships, and a kraken.
Various Battle Recreations on the Canary Islands
The Canary Islands lean into their rich maritime history, and there are various recreations of famous battles that visitors can enjoy. For example, in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, each July, locals commemorate the 1797 Battle of Santa Cruz. This was when Admiral Nelson’s fleet was famously repelled. The event is known as the Recreation of the Gesta of 25th July, and it features everything from costumed parades to staged battles. It even has cannon fire to make you feel like you’ve stepped into an old-fashioned coastal skirmish.
If you plan to visit the islands in October, you can check out the Battle of Tamasite re-enactment in Tuineje on Fuerteventura. This festival celebrates one of the greatest moments in the island’s history. You may not believe this, but it occurred when local farmers managed to fight back against the English during their attack in 1740. There’s a show performed on Gran Tarajal Beach, where actors show exactly how this went down.
Going to events like these can be a great way to travel back in time and get a taste of what it was like for Canary Island dwellers hundreds of years ago. Instead of simply watching pirate films, you can immerse yourself in the action and feel like you are really there.
Pirate-themed festivals might not be the main reason why you’d want to visit the Canaries, but if you love swashbuckling history, you should try to check at least one of them out.
Share:
