Valverde (El Hierro), 9 (Europa Press)
The Government of the Canary Islands and the La Frontera Town Council are fostering the establishment of the Interpretation Centre of Los Carneros de Tigaday, one of the most important cultural expressions in the archipelago. The museographic initiative, situated in the historic property of Mr. Benito Padrón, colloquially known as “The House of Fear”, is anticipated to open by the end of 2025, featuring an interactive and educational exhibition focused on the history and evolution of this ancestral tradition designated as a Cultural Asset of Interest (BIC).
With a direct grant amounting to 60,000 euros from the Ministry of Universities, Science, Innovation and Culture of the Government of the Canary Islands, La Frontera City Council is engaged in enhancing and promoting this BIC through various initiatives. These include the development of a museographic project, audiovisual material creation, and the design of a mobile application, as noted by the regional department.
The General Director of Culture and Cultural Heritage, Miguel Ángel Clavijo, emphasised that this cultural expression deserves “recognition” through projects that promote intangible heritage, and he indicated that the Interpretation Centre of the Carneros de Tigaday is expected to be open to the public in time for the 2026 carnivals.
“The establishment of this venue will undoubtedly add value and realise what we have envisioned many times, elevating the rams to a prominent position in our community and our development,” remarked the municipal mayor, Pablo Rodríguez.
He further added that the rams, a tradition that “encompasses an ethnographic world,” should be understood and interpreted. He hailed this initiative as a chance to reclaim the “history of the oldest iron, which we have been losing or that has become less prominent, but which our ancestors experienced as part of their everyday lives.”
The Los Carneros de Tigaday association has conveyed their “joy” in the prospect of establishing a museum dedicated to this tradition that has endured for years. They describe it as a means of “reinforcing” the work they are already doing, as they assert, “both the community and the youth are highly engaged in ensuring that this tradition is preserved.”
Museum Initiative
Every Sunday and Tuesday during Carnival, the rams of Tigaday chase and cover with tizne or bitumen anyone strolling through the village streets. This performance, tied to the livestock heritage of El Hierro, has survived to the present due to the dedication of the local community in preserving the collective memory of the area.
The aim of the Interpretation Centre is to safeguard and promote this unique cultural expression, enabling both residents and tourists to gain in-depth knowledge of the narrative behind ‘Tigaday rams’ using interactive and modern tools.
Consequently, material items representative of this celebration, such as the skins or zaleas of rams or sheep, among others, will feature in the permanent exhibition to showcase the context of this tradition.
In addition to the informative displays and panels, the facility will include various promotional audiovisual materials to outline the origins, progression, and significance of this local heritage.
A further vital aspect of the museum project is the incorporation of augmented reality to provide an immersive experience, guided by a ram avatar that will navigate visitors through the history of this tradition.
