Teror

Overview

Located within the north of Gran Canaria, Teror is approximately 20km from Las Palmas, the capital of the island. This historic town is hugely significant to the religious community of Gran Canaria. It is here that thousands come to pay homage to 'la Virgen del Pino' at the Basilica de Nuestra Señora del Pino. One particularly busy time in Teror is September 8th when celebrations begin for one of the islands most important religious events of the year. People come from far and wide to attend the week long fiesta, with some walking from the capital.

Although best known for its religious heritage, the small town is also full of agricultural history. Many buildings have been standing for centuries, some untouched by renovation since their creation. Taking a walk around the town can feel as though you are stepping back in time. Much of the land is protected, not only for its great historical and religious importance, but also on environmental grounds. Parque Rural de Doramas is a good example of a protected park in the area.

The island's busiest market also exists in Teror. Every Sunday morning the town plays host to some of the more unique craft stalls the island has to offer. Unlike some of the bigger tourist destinations, the market features local products made by local people. You are sure to find something to take home as a souvenir.

History

Teror is one of the oldest municipalities in all of the Canary Islands. The town was built on the sighting of the Virgen del Pino on September 8th 1481. According to the traditional tale, an image of the Virgin Mary was visible on a pine tree in a forest at the north of Gran Canaria. The site of the vision is thought to have been roughly where the Basilica de Nuestra Señora del Pino is built today. The religious heritage of Teror has made the town a place of pilgrimage for many in the Canary Islands, especially around September 8th when the fiesta del Pino takes place.

From 1835 the town of Teror became the municipality of Teror, encompassing several neighbouring villages. By the end of the century the population had not grown due to a deadly cholera outbreak and emigration to Cuba. Throughout the 20th century Teror continued to be seen as one of the island's most holy towns, with the highlight being Pope Benedict XV declaring that the then church was to be known as a minor Basilica.

Culture

The people of Teror are typical Canarians whose life has not been changed dramatically by tourism, and who still follow the traditions of their ancestors. Examples of this would be the yearly fiesta that pays respect to the Virgen del Pino, and the Sunday market that has continued to bring visitors to the town. Of the 12,800 citizens who live in Teror, the majority of them reside in the 'Old Town' and its neighbouring communities. The population consists of a higher percentage of over 65s, with eighty residents being over the age of 90!

Economy

While tourists have become a main source of income for many municipalities, Teror does not depend quite so heavily on visitors. In previous centuries Teror was seen as an ideal place to trade from. Being situated near to Las Palmas and stretching down into the middle of the island, Teror used to be a checkpoint for traders of textiles and local products. Today the town has many industries of its own. Bottling mineral water has become a profitable venture for the town, along with the processed meat section of the food sector. Carpentry is also a dependable industry for the town, with furniture and woodwork being sold across the islands.

How to get there:

The Global bus service takes visitors from Las Palmas on both the 216 and the 229 routes. The 216 bus is direct and runs every hour, taking around 30 minutes to arrive. The 229 bus runs through San Jose del Alamo with the same frequency but taking slightly longer to reach Teror. To visit the town from San Mateo the infrequent 214 bus will take 40 minutes. And if visiting from Cruce San Felipe the regular service runs every hour and takes approximately 90 minutes to arrive.

If visiting by car then take the GC-21 which leads to Teror.

 

Sights

Basilica de Nuestra Señora del Pino 

The centrepiece of the town has to be the Basilica. Having undergone a variety of different construction projects over 5 centuries, it has always been the building that Teror has grown around. The Basilica is not only appreciated by the locals, or even just the islanders, but it has received international recognition over the years. In 1916, Pope Benedict XV granted the building its official title as being a minor Basilica, and in 1976 the Basilica was recognised as a national monument.

Inside the Basilica there are many religious sculptures, but the oldest and most famous is of the Virgen del Pino. The virgin can be found inside an alcove which also contains 'Mantos de los Pinos', a cloak of the blessed virgin from 1785. Be warned that access to this area is limited and it can sometimes be cordoned off. Stained glass windows featuring images of Popes Pius X and XII, along with a 19th century English organ can also be found.

Museums & Art Galleries

There are several 'museos' near the Basilica that are really nothing more than rooms that remain unchanged from centuries past. There are no displays and all these rooms are more of an addition to what you will find in the Basilica. However nearby las does have a variety of museums and art galleries.

Where: Plaza del Pino

Parque Rural de Doramas

This beautiful natural park spreads across several municipalities and part of it falls within the boundaries of Teror. The Osorio Farm Estate covers 207 hectares of land, much of it being forests and farmland. At the centre of the estate is a 1,000m2 house that used to belong to the Manrique de Lara family. However, it is not the lavish house that draws people here – it's the sloping trails and the wilderness that surrounds them. A walk through this estate is guaranteed to bring you closer to the natural environment of Teror.

Natural Springs

Teror has many natural springs that have supplied residents with safe drinking water for hundreds of years. One of the most famous springs is Fuente Agria. Found in the Barranco del Teror, the distribution and sales of the mineral water this spring supplies have become the responsibility of the municipality. Many residents still come down to the spring to collect some water, and with good reason too, as since 1928 it was declared to have 'Public Usefulness' and contain 'medicinal' properties.

 

Beaches

Teror does not have any beaches as it is a landlocked municipality.

 

Festivals

The fiesta del Pino is overwhelmingly the town's biggest event of the year. Thousands of residents and Canarians come to celebrate on September 8th. Although the event lasts for an entire week usually, September 8th is the most fascinating. Many visitors walk from all over the island to pay their respects to the Virgen del Pino. The origins of the festival lie in the apparent vision of the Virgin Mary in a pine tree more than 5 centuries ago. A variety of events take place, and the programme differs from year to year. However, the day is always filled with religious reverence to the Virgin, traditional food and music, and even sporting events.

Along with this festival many others take place throughout the year.
Carnival - February
Fiesta de San José y la Cruz – The first Sunday in May
Sagrado Corazón de Jesús – The Friday after Corpus Christi, usually June.
Fiesta del Agua – Second half of July

 

Nightlife

As Teror being is not a major tourist destination, the nightlife is not in any way comparable to what you may expect from a package holiday. The bars and restaurants that exist do make tourists feel welcome, and there are always the local beers to taste. However, if you are looking for something more than just a few drinks, Las Palmas provides louder entertainment and a more energetic atmosphere less than an hour away.

 

Shopping

Although not a regular tourist destination, Teror does manage to attract a large amount of people to its weekly market. The street market of Teror is open every Sunday morning, and takes place around the Basilica. With over 140 stalls selling local produce, unique crafts, and high quality textiles, the market is certainly worth a visit. Opening at 9am and closing at 3pm, the weekly event is definitely a good enough reason alone to come to Teror.