AN ENVIRONMENT FULL OF POSSIBILITIES

These people's traditions and wisdom are themselves an important attraction to lovers of genuine cultures. Its fiestas are a ludic way to know the popular culture of Las Tirajanas. Folklore music and dance performances, autochtonous sport exhibitions, local produce tastings and local religious and popular expressions are some of these evidence of their own culture. Fiestas such as Santiago Apóstol and San Bartolomé in the capital of the municipality, Tunte, as well as the agricultural fiesta known as "Fiesta del Albaricoque" (The Fiesta of the Apricot Season) in the hamlet of fataga, or also "El Aparcero" (The Sharecroppers' Fiesta) are some of the most important festivities in this municipality. Santisima Trinidad in Tablero, San Fernando in Maspalomas, or Santa Águeda in El Pajar, and San Miguel in Castillo de Romeral are other fiestas to be mentioned

LOVERS OF GENUINE CULTURES

Popular dances and typical local costumes appear in the traditional processions which take place throughout the municipality when the agricultural or fish works -in the case of the coastal areas- finish. Local groups with their best typical costumes perform their best folklore songs: isas, folias, seguidillas, malagueñas, arroró (lullaby) and other challenging songs are some of the musical expressions which will delight visitors. The Canary Island folkore music has received much interest both as a cultural topic and as a identity symbols. "Isa" is one the liveliest songs performed in the islands. It is usually sung in processions and tenderetes (traditional parties). "Folía", however, is a song to express one's feelings and will make visitors to fall in love with the Canary Islands.. 
Traditional occupations are historical in Gran Canaria. These were brought the Canary Islands were conquered by the Kingdom of Castile and adapted during the settling process. However, they did not technologically evolved in their 500 years of history. Although these trades were imported, their features are very special, since they are very deep-rooted and are currently an important part of the Canary Island culture.

Regarding the craft works, Canarian people adapted their resources and their cultural environment. These trades still last since they have been transmitted among generations. It is remarkable openworks, a work very popular among women and carried out with thread and linen. These openworks are carried out in tablecloth, centrepieces, blouses, traditional costumes, bedclothes, etc. Laces are very popular within this kind of handcradf, such as "macramé" and "rosettes".

The Canarian knife is also a symbol for farmers. This knife has the peculiarity of its handle, which has filigrees and is made of different and simple materials to get a beautiful and colourful piece. The materials normally used are metals, wood or goat horn. These materials are properly turned, filed and polished to form extremely beautiful knives. Its scabbard is an essential part of traditional costumes. It is usually made of leather and are very well made by cobblers..

 String musical instruments, such as "timple", are very popular. Timple is an instrument widespread all over the islands and it is an essential part of the Canary Island folklore. It seems a small guitar and has 4 or 5 strings which produce cheerful melodies.

"Traperas" are very well known in our municipality. Traperas are blankets made with old clothes and pieces of clothes used and cut in strips. These strips are united all together through a traditional loom. It results in a bright and colourful blanket. Traperas are especially used as bedspreads and carpets.

With regard to pottery or typical ceramics, they were one of the main manufacture activities on the islands in the times of the ancient Canarian people. The ancient settlers used to work clay with great mastery and produce beautiful pottery hand-molded. After the conquest, the same materials and techniques were used. Nowadays, the plenty handcraft pieces made of clay and considered traditional pottery are flowerpots, griddles, braziers and trays. Pre-Hispanic objects are also made but only fur decorative purposes.

Basketwork made of reed, straw or parchment, as well as of dragon tree leaves justify the work of small craftmen, who give a richness of variety and production to the Canary Island basketwork. Their pieces are both used for the daily work routine and for decorative usage. mats, flat wicker baskets, layettes, jewel cases, vaes, etc.

TAKE A SOUVENIR WITH YOU 

Visiting a place entails acquiring an object you can take home to let you remember where you were. These objects will help you keep the feelings you experience during your visit. These are sentimental souvenirs which let you recall the moments experienced and the place visited. All in all, no case can be free of a souvenir recalling the essence of the place.

Maspalomas is an ideal place to go shopping and contact its people. The tourist area has plenty shopping centres where you will find the most important international brands. Furthermore, by visiting the street market you will find all kind of fresh products, such as fruits and vegetables, as well as clothes, flowers and leather goods.

For the purchase of typical gastronomic products or local clothes, shops with handcraft products are also available. These centres of handcraft production typical from the south of Gran Canaria offer a great variety of articles and materials which are displayed in all kind of shops widespread all over the municipality. The most deep-rooted handcraft are the bright and colourful "traperas", those blankets made in a loom or handmade with pieces of clothes, as well as the handmade clay pottery and the basketworks made of reed, straw or palm tree leaves. However, the Canarian knife with its beautiful filigrees is the best evidence of the mastery of our craftmen. 

All these goods are found in Centro de Artesanía de la FEDAC, in Playa del Inglés.