History

Lanzarote’s Deep Historical Ties to Texas and the United States

,
Did you know that the historic streets of San Antonio, Texas, were once walked by a mayor from Teguise? A little-known chapter of Lanzarote's history, stretching back almost three centuries, reveals a deep and living connection between the island and the United States, particularly in Texas and Louisiana.

Lanzarote – The Island of Elephant Birds

, ,
Scientists have established that the aepyornis, or elephant bird – one of the largest birds ever to exist – lived on Lanzarote four million years ago.

When the world’s most famous doctor landed on Lanzarote

,
Lanzarote’s otherworldly landscape has long made it a favourite for filmmakers seeking a dramatic, alien backdrop. But for fans of the iconic British series Doctor Who, the island holds a special place in television history as the real-world location for a pivotal chapter in the Time Lord's adventures.

When The Stone Roses came to Lanzarote

,
Before they conquered the world, The Stone Roses took a trip to Lanzarote. The resulting videos, filmed for "Fool's Gold" and "I Wanna Be Adored," were a surreal fusion of cool swagger and otherworldly beauty that would help define an era.

The Sci-Fi film cult classic that was filmed on Lanzarote

,
Lanzarote's volcanic terrain is a magnet for filmmakers. While many were drawn to its raw beauty, it was Wolfgang Petersen who harnessed its alien landscapes for a major feature: the sci-fi epic Enemy Mine.

Famara’s 1970s Scandi Style Homes

,
The Bungalows of Famara are a reminder of the original foreign tourism pioneers on Lanzarote and the Canaries – not the British nor the Germans, but the Scandinavians.

Pepe Dámaso – The light of Gran Canaria

,
César Manrique worked closely with other professionals during his lifetime, such as the architect Fernando Higueras and the landscaper Jesús Soto, but perhaps his closest friend was the Canarian artist Pepe Damaso, who turned 91 this year and remains a guiding light for modern Canarian art.

The history of Lanzarote’s Egrets

,
Egrets are now a common sight on Lanzarote, but if you’d asked a few decades ago, locals may have replied “Egrets? We’ve had a few, but then again, too few to mention.”

Run It Up The Flagpole

,
With its multicultural mix, love of bright colour and healthy breeze, it’s no wonder that flags can be seen everywhere on Lanzarote.

The history of Ireland’s connection to the Canary Islands

, ,
The Canaries and Ireland share a long and sad history of famine and emigration, but Irish emigration to the islands first took place around 1651. Here’s the history of Ireland’s connection to the Canary Islands.