Chemida Folkloric Group

The Agrupación Folklórica Chemida was born in 1981 in the neighborhood of Costa Ayala, in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. Chemida means, translated from the dialect spoken by the aborigines in the Canary Islands, “Meeting of men and women”. The group has three traditional costumes to its credit: the costume of Néstor Martín-Fernández De la Torre, the Gala costume of the City of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and the costume of the peasants who worked in the sugar cane harvest in the 20th century.

The Canarian People

El Pueblo Canario hosts folkloric performances on Sundays, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon. This is an emblematic architectural and cultural complex located in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, conceived in 1937 by the artist Néstor Martín-Fernández de la Torre and his brother, the architect Miguel Martín-Fernández de la Torre.

Inspired by Canarian customs, the project sought to create a space that would showcase local traditions, history and culture through pavilions dedicated to customs, the sea, local sports and other aspects of the island’s identity.

This complex, which is part of the neo-Canarian architecture, was conceived as a tourist attraction and a tribute to the essence of the Canary Islands.

History

After Nestor’s death in 1938, his brother Miguel continued with the project, which faced financial difficulties during the Spanish Civil War. Thanks to the support of local businessmen and merchants, construction began in 1939. Since its inauguration in 1956, the complex has included handicraft stores, flower shops, a bodegón and the Néstor Museum, located in a restored former hermitage.

Connection with folklore

From its inception, the Pueblo Canario was a vibrant space, with folkloric performances, exhibitions and a unique atmosphere that attracted tourists and locals alike.

A renewed symbol

Throughout time, the Pueblo Canario has withstood economic and political challenges, remaining a symbol of Canarian identity.

In the 21st century, following a renovation process that began in 2017, the complex has regained its splendor, with the reopening of the Bodegón in 2019 and the reinstatement of folk performances.

Today, the Pueblo Canario remains an iconic enclave, combining tradition and modernity, and represents a source of pride for the inhabitants of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and a tourist attraction of great cultural value.