The history of the Jewish community in Gran Canaria during the 16th century is a fascinating narrative of resilience, adaptation, and cultural preservation amidst adversity. This community’s legacy is deeply intertwined with the islands’ incorporation into Castile and offers a compelling reason to explore this unique region.
The Canary Islands were gradually incorporated into Castile throughout the 15th century, starting with the landing on Lanzarote in 1402 and concluding with the conquest of Tenerife in 1496. Gran Canaria fell to Castilian control between 1478 and 1481, during the height of the Spanish Inquisition. Following these conquests, the islands became an option for Jews fleeing persecution in Spain and Portugal.
From 1496 onward, Jews sought refuge in the Canary Islands, finding relative safety compared to the intense persecutions elsewhere. Despite this, the presence of a considerable Jewish population prompted the Bishop of the Canaries to establish an episcopal inquisition against Judaism in 1499. By 1504, a branch of the Holy Office was established in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, and throughout the 16th century, the Canary Inquisition punished approximately 2,262 individuals.
Early Jewish Communities
The initial Jewish settlers were refugees from Spain and Portugal, escaping the courts of Torquemada. Despite the Inquisition, Jews in the Canary Islands enjoyed a level of tolerance uncommon on the mainland, so this gave them relative freedom to practice Judaism until 1625. There are documented instances of societal acceptance, such as the case of Alonso de las Hijas, a councilor accused of having Jewish ancestry, who faced no repercussions.
During this period, the Jews observed religious customs, including Shabbat and Passover, and kept kosher dietary laws discreetly to avoid suspicion. They also maintained their Hebrew identity, often using the Hebrew language exclusively for communication, something that was actually rare at that time in Spain, where Sepharadi Jews spoke ladino or judeoespañol.
Older religious leaders played a crucial role in preserving Jewish customs. When they passed away, teachers were brought from Morocco to continue educating the community. This is another example of the tolerance and coexistence that contrasted sharply with attitudes on the peninsula.
For instance, in 1514, a Portuguese man founded a brotherhood in La Laguna that discriminated based on ancestry. The Justice institutions swiftly dissolved the brotherhood and punished its founder for promoting discrimination. Moreover, accusations of ritualistic crimes, such as the mysterious deaths of children in 1573, did not lead to a witch hunt against Jews, as Canarians attributed such events to unknown witches rather than their Jewish neighbors.
As persecution intensified, Hebrew books became rarer, leading to the creation of a Marrano ritual that included apocryphal prayers. Despite these challenges, Jews in the Canary Islands thrived economically and socially. They were involved in various professions, including medicine, law, shoemaking, dyeing, and farming. Some held significant positions in civil and military administration, and they were active in trade, establishing connections with Castile, France, Flanders, and even London.
According to the archives of the Inquisition that can be found in the Canary Museum in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Jewish families lived comfortably, with men owning horses and weapons, and women wearing luxurious clothing adorned with gold and jewelry. Their contributions to the islands’ economy and society were substantial, despite the ongoing threat of the Inquisition.
The Disappearance of the Crypto-Jews
The 16th century saw the decline of the Canarian crypto-Jewish community due to the relentless efforts of inquisitors like Mr. Ximénez and Mr. Padilla. Many Jews were absorbed into the Christian community or emigrated to safer regions such as Morocco, Madeira, Flanders, and the West Indies. There was even an attempt to emigrate to Palestine, though this was fraught with peril. At least one Canarian family reportedly succeeded in reaching Judea and continued to practice Judaism openly.
Today, the Jewish community in Gran Canaria comprises about 30 families who returned to Spain after the Inquisition in the mid-20th century. Their energy and enthusiasm for reclaiming their history are evident in the continued practice of Judaism and their dedication to sharing the Sephardic traditions of the Canary Islands with the world.
This Jewish community’s history, the old one and the young one, offers a unique perspective on the islands, making Gran Canaria an intriguing destination for those interested in exploring the lesser-known aspects of Jewish heritage. Gran Canaria not only provides a scenic travel experience but also a profound historical journey into a community that navigated through adversity with tenacity and serves as a testament of the enduring spirit of the Jews and our unyielding connection to our roots.
Canary Museum’s Schedule:
Monday to Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Sundays and holidays from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Address: Doctor Verneau street 2, 35001, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
Phone: +34 928 336 800
Email: in**@el************.com
Website: elmuseocanario.com