Winter solstice of the Canarian aborigines

The Winter Solstice and the Canarian Aborigines

The Canarian aborigines celebrated the winter solstice in a unique and profound way. This event marked the beginning of the astronomical winter and held a strong cultural and agricultural significance.

In places like Risco Caído, structures were aligned with the position of the sun and the moon. During the solstice, a ray of moonlight entered through a natural crevice, illuminating sacred spaces within the caves. This phenomenon was interpreted as a divine message or a symbol of fertility and renewal.

The GREAT FERTILE MOTHER CHAXIRAXI was a central figure in these ceremonies. Communities would gather near streams and ravines to perform rituals dedicated to her, connecting the earth, the sky, and human life in a single spiritual experience.

For the ancient inhabitants of Gran Canaria, the solstice also marked the beginning of agricultural and pastoral activities. It was a time for preparation and reflection, where the connection with nature and their ancestors was valued.