🌴 Canary Islands Government Announcements

Declaration of Traditional Garrote Game from Gran Canaria as Intangible Cultural Heritage

Published: October 17, 2025|culture-and-arts|Gobierno de Canarias

Declaration of the 'Juego del Garrote Tradicional de la isla de Gran Canaria' as a Cultural Asset

Overview

The Spanish government officially declares the 'Juego del Garrote Tradicional de la isla de Gran Canaria' (Traditional Garrote Game of Gran Canaria) as a culturally significant intangible asset, recognizing its deep roots and heritage on the island.

This decision, announced on October 13, 2025, ensures the protection and preservation of a practice that dates back centuries, closely tied to rural life and pastoring traditions.

Cultural Significance and Process

The process involved extensive legal and cultural assessments, including consultations with:

  • local organizations
  • scholars
  • practitioners

The game is a martial art involving wooden sticks, featuring specific techniques, lexicon, and customs passed down through generations, mainly within a few families and local schools.

Its unique form is distinct from similar practices on other islands, highlighting regional cultural identity.

Current Status and Goals

  • Fewer than fifty active players, largely between 40 and 50 years old.
  • The initiative aims to safeguard this cultural practice from disappearing.

Declaring it a 'Bien de Interés Cultural' (Asset of Cultural Interest) at the insular level:

  • Formally recognizes its significance.
  • Provides legal protection to ensure its survival for future generations.

Broader Cultural Context

This step aligns with broader efforts to:

  • conserve Canary Islands’ diverse cultural expressions
  • reinforce local identities.