One of the most anticipated religious events for the people of Lanzarote is the Ranchos de Pascua. The one in Teguise is of special importance because "it is one of the oldest" on the island, as recalled by the Official Chronicler of La Villa, Francisco Hernández. Its origin lies in the old Ranchos de Ánimas, which were dedicated to asking for money for poor people who had died. "For the coffin of the dead, for example," he explains.
The first references to these Ranchos date back to "when the Franciscans arrived and implemented the tradition of the Nativity". "These Ranchos participated within the Nativity scene. But it is also true that in Murcia there is a very similar parranda, which has the same instruments as El Rancho de Pascua de Teguise and very similar dances," says Hernández. "They are a mixture of peninsular, aboriginal and African traditions," he summarizes.
Traditionally, Los Ranchos were not celebrated during Christmas, but throughout the year. "They were attached to a Brotherhood. In the case of Teguise, to the Convent of San Francisco," indicates Hernández. During Christmas, Los Ranchos changed the rhythm of music they played during the year, which was "monotonous and sad", for a "more cheerful" one.
When the Brotherhoods disappeared, the people who formed Los Ranchos de Pascua continued in their efforts to teach the people of Lanzarote their dances and songs. For this reason, they became a fundamental act during Christmas. "Now they only sing at this time, they limit themselves to performing during Christmas," says the Official Chronicler of Teguise.
El Rancho de Pascua performs a single performance in Teguise, which will take place this Saturday, the 24th, starting at 10:00 p.m. About twenty people make up this Rancho, which also has a particularity that the rest of the Ranchos in the Canary Islands do not have. "The one in Teguise has a dance corps of four people, who do the Salto del Pastor and never turn their backs on the Child of God," explains Francisco Hernández. "When they do the dance, the kissing of the Child God's feet, they go backwards but never turn their backs on the child," he remarks.
The town of Teguise and many residents from other parts of the island will come on Saturday to enjoy this Rancho. In recent times, as Hernández points out, "many foreigners go to the church to see this performance." "In fact, inside the church there are usually more foreigners than people from here," he indicates.
The people of Lanzarote can also enjoy other Ranchos de Pascua in the rest of the island, such as in San Bartolomé, Tías, Haría, Tinajo and Yaiza. And it is that of the 12 that exist in the Canary Islands, seven display their art in Lanzarote.
