▷ History of Caleta de Famara: A Journey Through Time

Caleta de Famara, located in the northwest of Lanzarote, is a corner of indescribable beauty, where the blue of the Atlantic merges with the drama of the cliffs that guard it. But beyond its incomparable landscape, Famara is the bearer of a rich history that stretches from aboriginal times to the present day.

We delve into the past of Caleta de Famara, exploring its origins as one of the most important aboriginal settlements on the island, the influence of the Franciscans in the creation of the first chapel dedicated to the Virgin in the Canary Islands, and the vital role that water has played in its development and survival.

Through its watering holes and the tradition of its inhabitants, Famara has not only been a silent witness to the history of Lanzarote but also an active participant in the configuration of its cultural identity.

Immerse yourself in the history of Caleta de Famara and discover how this unique place has transcended time, keeping alive the essence of Lanzarote and its people.

14 historical curiosities of Caleta de Famara

The history of Caleta de Famara, in Lanzarote, is full of curiosities that reflect its rich cultural, social and environmental heritage. Here are some fascinating highlights:

Aboriginal origins: Famara was one of the most important aboriginal settlements in Lanzarote, with remains of pottery that prove its ancient occupation.
Birthplace of Marian devotion in the Canary Islands: The Franciscans established in Famara, in 1413, the first chapel dedicated to the Virgin in the Canary Islands, the Ermita de Las Mercedes.
Famagui and Water: The term “Famagui”, related to the maretas or rainwater deposits, indicates the importance of water in the area. These water sources led to the construction of a monastery in 1534 by Sancho de Herrera.
Herencia del Agua: Despite ceding the Famara orchard, Sancho de Herrera left the springs as a common good for the enjoyment of all Lanzarote residents, highlighting the communal vision of the resource.
Importance of the washerwomen: The washerwomen of Soo, who used the basins in the Poceta de Famara, were vital to the community, especially during times of drought.
Strategic Water Point: During droughts, the only water available on the island came from the Poceta de Famara, attracting people from all over Lanzarote.
Famara-Soo connection: Since the testament of Luis de Samarines in 1610, the connection between Famara and Soo is evident, showing the interrelation of these communities over time.
La Huerta de Famara: It was a place of pilgrimage to collect branches and decorate the church and the streets of Teguise during the main festivities.
Wells and Waters: Throughout the centuries, Famara has been known for its wells and water sources, essential for survival on the island.
Early Holidaymakers and Evolution: Since the 19th century, Caleta de Famara began to attract holidaying families, gradually becoming a destination for rest and relaxation.
La Caleta as a Natural Port: Already in the 19th century, the Caleta was considered a natural port, highlighting its importance for fishing and maritime transport.
Cesar Manrique and the Trampolín: The family of César Manrique, Lanzarote’s universal artist, contributed to the construction of the famous trampolín, a beloved symbol of the community.
Cultural exchange with La Graciosa: Caleta de Famara has maintained a special relationship with the island of La Graciosa, especially during the festivities of Nuestra Señora de los Dolores.
Adaptation and Resilience: The history of Famara is a testimony to the adaptation and resilience of its inhabitants in the face of environmental and social challenges.

This collection of curiosities not only illustrates the historical and cultural depth of Caleta de Famara, but also highlights the intrinsic connection of its inhabitants with the natural environment and its legacy through generations.

A summary of the history of Caleta de Famara

Caleta de Famara, located on the island of Lanzarote, has a rich and multifaceted history, marked by its significant role from pre-Hispanic times to the present day.

This story begins with the aborigines, who established one of their most important settlements in Famara, as demonstrated by the archaeological finds of pottery in the area.

This aboriginal legacy lays the foundations of a community that, over the centuries, has been witness and protagonist of numerous historical events.

In the 15th century, with the arrival of the conquistadors and the Franciscan monks to Lanzarote, Famara took on a new role in the process of Christianisation of the island.

The Franciscans, looking for a place to worship, decided to settle near the village of Famara, founding what would become the first hermitage dedicated to the Virgin in the Canary Islands, the hermitage of Las Mercedes.

This event not only marks the beginning of the Christian presence on the island but also integrates Famara into the network of religious and cultural centres of the archipelago.

The importance of Famara throughout history has been indisputably linked to water, a scarce and vital resource on the island.

The “maretas” or rainwater tanks, known as Fuentes de la Poceta or Fuentes de Famara, became a precious asset that motivated figures such as Sancho de Herrera to promote the construction of a monastery in the 16th century and to guarantee communal access to water.

These efforts to secure water supply reflect not only the importance of the resource for survival but also a vision of community and collective well-being.

Over the centuries, Famara and Soo have maintained a close relationship, evidenced by the cultural and economic exchange between these areas.

The construction of houses and warehouses by the fishermen and the arrival of the first holidaying families in the 19th century transformed Caleta de Famara into a place for meeting and recreation, while maintaining its character as a hard-working and resilient community.

The 20th century brought important infrastructural and social changes. The construction of the hermitage of the Sacred Heart of Mary and improvements in roads and water systems reflect the growth of the community and its adaptation to new needs and challenges.

The history of Caleta de Famara is also the history of its inhabitants, who through generations have kept alive their culture, traditions and a deep connection with the natural environment.

Discover the history of the seafaring pilgrimage of Famara.

This historical account of Caleta de Famara highlights the importance of collective memory, adaptation and respect for nature.

It is a testament to the human capacity to create, adapt and thrive in a challenging environment, while preserving a cultural and natural legacy for future generations.

The history of Famara is a mirror of the wider history of Lanzarote, reflecting the values, struggles and aspirations of its people over time.