Spanish Government Awards 'Protector of Canary Islands Cultural Heritage' Title

The Spanish government has awarded the prestigious 'Protector of Canary Islands Cultural Heritage' title to four individuals for their outstanding contributions to preserving and promoting the region's rich cultural legacy.

The recipients include academics, archaeologists, musicians, and art historians who have significantly impacted areas like historical-artistic preservation, bioanthropology, intangible traditions such as the Gomero whistle, and regional art history. These distinctions aim to recognize and foster efforts that uphold the diverse cultural identity of the Canary Islands.

Award Decision Process

The awards were decided by the Evaluation Commission, established by the Ministry of Universities, Science, Innovation, and Culture, and met earlier this fall to analyze nominations based on criteria such as gender equality, renowned prestige, and territorial representation.

2025 Recipients

The recipients highlighted for 2025 include:

• Juan Sebastián López García, for his international work in historic-artistic heritage
• Matilde Arnay de la Rosa, known for her pioneering archaeological and bioanthropological research
• Isidro Ortiz Mendoza, for preserving intangible traditions like Gomero music and craftsmanship
• Ana Ávila Padrón, for her academic work on art history and regional heritage

Purpose and Impact

This initiative aligns with the regional law emphasizing cultural preservation as a fundamental civic duty.

The awards symbolize official recognition and promote ongoing efforts to protect the Canary Islands’ unique cultural fabric, inspiring future generations to remain engaged with their shared history.