Francisco Hernández Named Favourite Son of Teguise
Teguise has honoured Francisco Hernández by declaring him the town’s ‘Hijo Predilecto’ (Favourite Son) in recognition of his lifelong commitment to local history.
The official chronicler of Teguise received this accolade during a municipal plenary session on Friday, acknowledging his decades of dedication to the research and preservation of the area’s cultural heritage.
Born in La Villa de Teguise in 1947, Francisco Hernández, commonly known as Paco, has a deep-rooted connection to the local culture and traditions. His work as a researcher and writer has greatly contributed to rediscovering significant aspects of Teguise’s history, positioning him as a prominent cultural figure in Lanzarote.
Since becoming the official chronicler on 3 February 2011, Hernández has spent years documenting local customs, historical events, and popular traditions that shape the town’s identity.
Teguise’s mayor, Olivia Duque, along with the municipal council, expressed their congratulations to Hernández, highlighting his dedication to sharing the town’s history. The mayor remarked, “Paco has devoted much of his life to preserving and sharing our history, a work that merits recognition and gratitude from Teguise for his contribution to keeping our roots alive for future generations.”
Hernández’s cultural contributions include involvement in the inaugural Cultural Plan of the Teguise Town Hall, the Emigrant Museum, and the Insular Historical Archive. He has also been active in promoting popular traditions like the Los Diabletes of Teguise.
His bibliography features 14 books and around 100 publications focused on Lanzarote’s history and culture. Additionally, he has conducted research into genealogy and Canary Island emigration, furthering the understanding of historical links between Lanzarote and migrant communities abroad.
In 2024, he was appointed president of the Official Chroniclers of the Canary Islands, enhancing his role as a historian and promoter of the archipelago’s heritage. His designation as ‘Hijo Predilecto’ honours his commitment to preserving and conveying the historical and cultural memories of Teguise, affirming his lifelong connection to the town.
For more information, visit Teguise’s official website.
