A Celebration of Ancestral Healing: The Screening of ‘Curanderas Canarias. Tradiciones de Sanación’
Event Introduction
On October 8, 2025, at 8:00 PM, residents and visitors in Puerto del Rosario will have the unique opportunity to engage with a vital aspect of Canarian culture through a documentary screening titled Curanderas Canarias. Tradiciones de Sanación. This event will take place at the auditorio insular and is part of an enlightening series organized by the Dirección General de Cultura y Patrimonio Cultural across the Canary Islands.
The Documentary
Directed and produced by Beatriz Chinea, this film dives deep into the rich history of traditional healing practices within the Canary Islands. It highlights the invaluable contributions of curanderas (healers), santiguadoras (blessers), yerberas (herbalists), and parteras (midwives), showcasing them as vital threads in the fabric of Canarian intangible heritage. These women are not merely practitioners; they embody a living culture that intertwines spirituality, community healing, and natural medicine.
A Platform for Discussion
Following the screening, attendees will be welcomed to an open forum that serves as a unique platform for discussion. This colloquium will feature key figures including the filmmaker Beatriz Chinea, curandero Ornaldo Hernández, historian Pedro Carreño, and ethno-botanist Fayna Brenes. Moderated by seasoned journalist José Gregorio González, the session promises to foster an enriching dialogue about the wisdom and practices of traditional healing in the islands.
Preserving Cultural Memory
This gathering aims not just to document but to preserve the living memory of traditional healing through personal narratives. Participants and audience members are encouraged to share their own experiences and insights related to ancestral practices, highlighting the communal aspect of healing in Canary culture. The organizers invite anyone with ties to these age-old traditions to join in the conversation, creating an inclusive space for knowledge sharing. Admission is free, with seating available on a first-come, first-served basis.
The Healing Practices Explored
Curanderas Canarias underscores various healing methodologies such as the santiguado—a ritual intended to dispel negative energies—and the use of medicinal plants for treating ailments ranging from the common cold to mal de ojo (evil eye) and empacho (indigestion). Attendees can look forward to hearing firsthand accounts from a dozen practitioners whose stories reflect the enduring nature of these practices.
International Recognition
The documentary has not gone unnoticed globally, having been selected for screening at several prestigious international film festivals in 2025, including the IFFNY in New York, the Ahmedabad International Film Festival in India, and the Festival Internacional Miradas del Mundo in the UK. This acclaim highlights the importance of the subject matter and the genuine interest in preserving cultural heritages.
Cultural Significance and Future Goals
The screening is part of a broader initiative by the Dirección General de Cultura y Patrimonio Cultural to promote and preserve oral traditions that embody the essence of Canarian identity. As the elderly practitioners pass on their knowledge, this tradition faces the risk of fading away. Events like this serve not only to raise awareness but also to inspire a new generation to safeguard these rich practices against the forces of modernity and forgetfulness.
In summary, the upcoming screening of Curanderas Canarias. Tradiciones de Sanación is more than just a film showing; it is a cultural event aimed at reviving, celebrating, and preserving the ancient healing traditions of the Canary Islands, ensuring that the wisdom of past generations continues to resonate in the current and future lives of Canarians.
