Carnival is approaching and, especially in Teguise, these festivities are associated with illusion, magic and one of the oldest and most special traditions in the Canary Islands, Los Diabetes. From my time as a Culture Councilor, I enjoyed watching my neighbors eagerly take to the streets to experience this popular spectacle, which has transcended time from generation to generation. Currently, I still maintain the same passion for this unique celebration in the world.
Its origin dates back to the competitive, ritual and festive dances of the ancient Mahos, natives of the islands and faithful to the Berber culture. For more than 600 years, the people of Teguise have dressed in white, red and black, with their unique goat-shaped masks, and roam the streets of the town to the rhythm of the cowbells, performing dances and performances, so that both residents and visitors can enjoy and participate in this ancestral tradition.
In ancient times, this type of celebration was held for the harvesting of crops and the Feast of Corpus Christi. The name of Los Diabletes originates from Lanzarote dancers who represented evil in their processions. With their peculiar attire and unique dances, they have managed to enter the hearts of many people from Lanzarote.
This island could be considered an amalgamation of customs thanks to our geolocation. Throughout my professional career, it has always been among my purposes to vindicate the Canarian idiosyncrasy and its deepest roots.
The Canarian Government awarded the Diabletes de Teguise the Gold Medal at the 2024 Canary Islands Awards. A recognition of this caliber demonstrates the commitment and great cultural representation that it has achieved, and continues to achieve today, attracting thousands of tourists and our own citizens.
Over the years, they have become popular and have become an emblematic figure in Canarian history. With their appearance they seek to evoke the image of demons, a mixture of the grotesque and the festive, which symbolizes protection against evil spirits.
This would not have been possible without the effort and dedication of the Los Diabletes Cultural Association to preserve one of the most relevant representations of popular festivals in the Archipelago.
As mayor of Teguise, I am proud that our neighbors still have this festivity in mind today. I hope that over the years, the new generations can continue to spread this type of cultural expression that is only found in our municipality.