From the Canary Islands to Texas: The Diabletes of Teguise land at the El Álamo Museum

The meeting held this Monday by the president of the Cabildo de Lanzarote, Oswaldo Betancort, and the president of the Cultural Association of Los Diabletes de Teguise, Victor Padrón, formalizes the delivery of a traditional costume of Los Diabletes that will become part of the El Álamo Museum, in San Antonio, Texas, in the United States.

The piece will be integrated into a space dedicated to Canary Islanders residing in the North American city, founded in 1731 by families from the Canary Islands. This action is part of the collaboration initiatives that have recently been promoted by the institutions of Lanzarote and San Antonio. In 2031, said foundation will commemorate its 300th anniversary.

In the meeting, Oswaldo Betancort highlighted the value of disseminating the island's cultural heritage, which is part of our identity and "will allow us to show the world a unique tradition and reinforce the historical ties that unite the Canary Islands and Texas."

Likewise, Victor Padrón thanked the public institution for its support and described the international presence of this Lanzarote tradition as a source of pride, assuring that it "will contribute to disseminating an important part of our history."

The tradition of the Diabletes dates back six centuries. They represent the most ancestral figure of the Canary Islands carnivals and are preserved as an exclusive tradition of the former capital of Lanzarote. Its origin dates back directly to the ritual dances of the mahos, the ancient inhabitants of the island, becoming over the centuries an undisputed symbol of Lanzarote's cultural heritage.

The costume sent to Texas has been handcrafted by the Lanzarote tailor Yeray Martín García following the traditional models provided by the association. Made of beige muslin and hand-painted in red and black tones, it includes the characteristic attribute of the mud mask decorated in red, black, and white. In addition, the bells attached to leather straps and the traditional goatskin pouch.

It is also noteworthy that in 2024 they received an award thanks to an exemplary trajectory in the conservation and dissemination of this cultural heritage of the island of Lanzarote and the Canary Archipelago. Los Diabletes de Teguise were awarded the Gold Medal of the Canary Islands, the highest recognition granted by the regional government.