La cultura del volcán

The book describes how Timanfaya changed the social history of the island and the cultural heritage of the national park.

Lanzarote has long been known as the island of volcanoes. That slogan sums up its scenic essence, but it is often forgotten that the momentous eruptions of the eighteenth century also contributed to modify and shape the island's culture. In the first place, because between 1730 and 1736 many villages, architectural elements, cultivated land, remains of the majos culture and even ports that had been key in previous centuries were buried.

This book explores the island that was lost under the lava fields, but also tells how the population approached the new and rough volcanic territory. This process of adaptation brought about unique cultural forms, both in terms of material heritage (agriculture, fishing, livestock, architecture, transport, tourism...) and immaterial heritage (ways of life, toponymy, religion, language, legends and the very image of the island). The culmination of this transformation was the recognition of Timanfaya as a national park, whose evolution is also analyzed.

This book is essential to understand the history and culture of Lanzarote, and also a tribute to its most humble and forgotten protagonists. Successive generations of islanders devised striking methods to relate to “the volcano”. This rich legacy should be known and valued in its rightful measure.