A space-time singularity is emerging in the Deán Palahí alley, the narrow cobblestone pathway that links the Plaza del Along Viana Street, situated between the Monastery of Santa Catalina de Siena and the Nava de La Laguna Palace. Coinciding with the celebration of the city’s 25th anniversary as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this thoroughfare will be closed on December 4 to ensure the safety of pedestrians and to unveil a time tunnel that, by simply crossing a doorway, will allow visitors to delve into the daily life of early 19th century La Laguna, where the upper class, the “tapadas,” and various trades coexist amid the turmoil of war and significant transformations.
The Time Tunnel is a project of the Departments of Cultural Heritage and Rural Development of the La Laguna City Council, recreating this fascinating historical period, facilitated by Troysteatro, with contributions from Ubaldo Vestimenta Tradicional for the setting and costumes, as well as collaboration from the Monastery of Saint Catherine of Siena.
According to the Councilor for Cultural Heritage, Adolfo Cordobés, “this event has become one of the most unique and eagerly awaited components of the Big Week programme, through which we commemorate the 25th anniversary of our historical centre’s inclusion on UNESCO’s World Heritage list. We perceive this as an opportunity to explore, in an engaging and distinct manner, the rich heritage and history of our city, an endeavour that serves as a strong campaign to foster the protection and promotion of our cultural, historical, and intangible assets.”
The Time Tunnel will welcome visitors from December 4 to 8, in both the morning and afternoon. Access to the so-called “nuns’ alley” will be from the Plaza del Adelantado side, with free entry until the capacity for each group is reached, allowing individuals to traverse the tunnel in a manner that makes way for the next group. The operating hours over the five days will be from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
War of Independence and Supreme Junta
The historian and populariser Néstor Verona, who has been involved in the development of this innovative concept, explains, “we will set the action within the time frame of the War of Independence, spanning from 1808 to 1814. At that juncture, Spain was embroiled in conflict with France, following Napoleon’s invasion of the Peninsula. During these years, a notable power vacuum arose in the Canary Islands, as the Governor and Captain General had gone to war, while Napoleon ousted the king of Spain and appointed his brother, José Bonaparte, who would come to be known infamously as Pepe Botella.”
“In response to this neglect of governance,” Verona emphasizes, “the nobility of La Laguna, led by Alonso de Nava y Grimón, Marquis of Villanueva del Prado, alongside members of the Royal Economic Society of Friends of the Country of Tenerife, established the Supreme Junta of the Canary Islands, a provisional government for the duration of the conflict.”
To recreate this historical milieu, Deán Palahí will be animated with everyday instances, featuring characters who will engage with the public as if they were just another passer-by, such as the winemaker gathering barrels from the Nava palace, the pinochero, the gangochera, the washerwoman, the milkmaid, the basket maker, the hat maker, the butcher, or the tavern keeper.
Some scenes will be organized at various stations, featuring interactions with the Marchioness María del Rosario Pérez de Barradas y Fernández de Henestrosa or the “tapadas,” women who would shield themselves in different garments when leaving their homes, obscuring parts of their bodies and faces while leaving one or both eyes visible. This practice, which was prohibited by Charles III in the 18th century, persisted in the town until the mid-19th century.
Drone show postponed
Due to the forecasted weather conditions and for safety reasons, the drone show that was originally planned for Sunday, December 1, has been postponed to a later date yet to be confirmed within the anniversary year. Updated programming details can be found on the website https://25aniversario.aytolalaguna.es/
