Explore Gran Canaria’s British heritage on a new free guided walk

Residents and holidaymakers can discover a different side of Las Palmas next week, with a bilingual guided walk exploring the city’s British connections and traditional Canarian ways of remembering the dead.

The afternoon experience takes place on Tuesday, 27th October, from 4.30pm to 7.00pm, linking Vegueta Cemetery with the English Cemetery in the San José neighbourhood.

Organised by Turismo LPA, the route will be conducted in English and Spanish, combining local history with live traditional music and a tasting of seasonal foods.

Two communities, different traditions

The walk explores Finaos, the Canarian tradition of remembering those who have died, alongside the customs of the British community established in the city since the early 19th century.

Participants will meet at the entrance to Vegueta Cemetery at 4.30pm for the first guided visit before continuing on foot to the English Cemetery.

There, the focus will turn to the British community’s history and its particular remembrance traditions, offering visitors an opportunity to learn about the connections between the two cultures.

Music and seasonal flavours

The experience will finish at the English Cemetery with a performance by four musicians, who will introduce instruments associated with the traditional Ranchos de Ánimas and play music linked to the custom.

A tasting will include chestnuts, dried figs, walnuts, apples and pine nuts, alongside huesos de santo — traditional marzipan sweets — and aniseed liqueur.

How to book

The group is limited to 25 participants, and advance booking is required.

Registration involves a €5 deposit, which the organiser says will be refunded in full. The deposit is intended to discourage unnotified absences.

Residents and visitors can reserve a place through the organiser’s website.