LOCATION: Montaña de Guanapay, s/n, Teguise.
HOURS: Monday to Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in winter (to 3 p.m. in summer) and Saturdays, Sundays and holidays 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (to 2 p.m. in summer)
PRICES: € 1.80 for residents (duly accredited) and € 3.50 for visitors.
INFORMATION AND RESERVATIONS: +34 928 845 001 and +34 928 845 072.
MAP OF LOCATION:
In 1991, the interiors of the Castle of Santa Bárbara (Guanapay Mountain, Teguise) became the ethnographic museum with the aim of showing the emigrant past of the Canarian people. The old fortress, built in the 16th century by Sancho de Herrera was very important in defending the island from the constant invasions by pirates and corsairs. In the seven halls of the Emigrante Canario museum the double face, in the best of cases, of the migratory phenomenon is condensed: The dramatic abandonment of the home caused by 19th century poverty and the prosperity achieved in the Americas, the main destination of Canarian migration at that time, from where they would send valuable letters of change to their relatives who remained on the Archipelago.
Crossing the Atlantic Ocean became the best option to overcome the agricultural crisis that occurred in that century. That’s what made the migratory population undertake the suicidal voyage that the great ships of the kingdom of Spain offered. Passport in hand, and a small wooden suitcase filled with a few mementos, the Canarian emigrant mostly headed to the island of Cuba and Venezuela, although some other South American countries like Argentina and Uruguay received Canarians, as well as some places in the United States like Louisiana and San Antonio, Texas, which was founded by Lanzarote emigrants.
The birth of San Antonio, Texas, is one of the most curious aspects of the Museum of the Canarian Emigrant, where its founding records can be found. On August 1, 1731 the first municipal government of the city was constituted. The first mayor was the Lanzarote lawyer Juan Leal Goraz, who was born in Teguise. He was accompanied by another native of Teguise, Juan Curbelo as second councilman.
Although the visit inside the castle is very lively, there are some explanations missing for many of the materials displayed that would allow to follow the trail of the Canarian emigrant. The visit to the Museum of the Canarian Emigrant culminates in the top of the castle, from where it is possible to see Montaña Clara and Alegranza, the spectacular view of the cliff of Famara, and, among other points of interest, the pretty village of La Villa of Teguise.
What to do before and after: A walk through the old village of Teguise is a must. In addition, there are different gastronomical options, cafés and terraces in and around the village. For a cup of coffee or tea and a drink we recommend Cafetería Cejas or Hespérides. For lunch or dinner, the Ikarus.