Cultural Project ‘El Mentidero’ Arrives in Lanzarote and Fuerteventura
‘El Mentidero’, an itinerant cultural project, will host sessions in Lanzarote and Fuerteventura this July. The initiative aims to revitalise public spaces across the Canary Islands through community gatherings that promote listening, storytelling, play, and intergenerational interaction.
The project encourages locals to take to the streets and share culture as it was done in the past, highlighting the importance of pausing, being present, and listening. Events will take place in squares, parks, and other public areas, featuring talks, traditions, and music.
Supported by the Canarian Institute of Cultural Development, ‘El Mentidero’ is open to everyone. Migdalia Machín, the regional Minister of Culture, said, “This project reminds us that culture is built through words, memories, traditions, and music. Bringing people together strengthens intergenerational bonds and keeps our roots alive through community participation.”
The upcoming events are scheduled for Saturday, 18 July, at 10:30 AM in the Plaza de La Santa (Lanzarote) and Sunday, 19 July, at 10:00 AM in the Plaza de Tetir (Fuerteventura).
Each gathering will begin with storytelling sessions led by local seniors, who will share memories without microphones or formal stages, echoing the traditional gatherings of yesteryear.
Following the stories, attendees can participate in traditional outdoor games, further enhancing the use of public spaces and fostering shared experiences. The events will conclude with music, encouraging local musicians to join in spontaneous performances.
‘El Mentidero’ kicked off in May in Caideros, Gran Canaria, as part of the Month of Canary Islands festivities. The project continues its journey through various communities, with upcoming dates on 25 July in Guarazoca (El Hierro) and further events in August across La Gomera, La Palma, and Tenerife.
