Tenerife tradition Los Finaos, comes in addition to the period around November 1st, which is known for Halloween, All Saints’ Day, and All Souls’ Day.
The typical tradition on Tenerife Los Finaos has deep roots in the island’s culture and history. It emphasises the importance and respect for those who have gone before us. This celebration recalls ancestors, the rich culture and history of Tenerife and the other Canary Islands.
Los Finaos is a Canarian tradition dating back to the indigenous Guanche people. The word ‘finaos’ comes from the Guanche word ‘finados’, meaning ‘the dead’. Los Finaos is a tradition that strengthens ties between current generations and ancestors.
Sacrifices and music
The typical tradition in Tenerife Los Finaos is celebrated from 31 October to 2 November. It is a celebration that has been lost over time with the rise of Halloween. During Los Finaos, people visit the graves of their loved ones in cemeteries and decorate them with flowers, candles and other offerings. They also bring food and drink to share with the departed, believing that their spirits will temporarily join the living. A signature dish prepared during the typical Los Finaos tradition is gofio, a traditional dish made of ground toasted grains.
In some regions, people dress in traditional costumes and play folk music while dancing. This adds to the festive atmosphere. In a distant past, it was custom to place grains, wine, baskets of bread, buns, etc on the gravestones to cover the cost of burial and mass for the dead.
Soul Masses
The typical tradition in Tenerife Los Finaos originated in the 15th century, they were religious acts and were called soul masses.
The ‘ranchos de ánimas’ were groups that went from door to door to celebrate mass for the deceased. By praying for the departed, it was thought to shorten the time in purgatory, a time spent there to purify souls after death.
Family ties
Another traditional custom is to eat special dishes. On these days, it is customary to eat pan de muertos, a kind of sweet bread decorated with bones and skulls. Torrijas are also popular, this is another type of bread fried in oil and served with honey or sugar.
The typical tradition in Tenerife Los Finaos is kept alive by groups and neighbourhoods because All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day are an important part of Canarian culture. These are days to reflect on life and death for a while, a time to strengthen ties with family.
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Tenerife traditionele Los Finaos ©
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