The Museo de la Zafra, located in the southeast of Gran Canaria, is a museum dedicated to the history of sugar cane production on the island. The museum showcases the area’s agricultural past, labor traditions, and way of life in close connection with its main crop: sugar cane. It is an excellent place to learn about the history of sugar cane production on Gran Canaria and the impact it had on the island’s economy and culture.
The museum features an ethnographic complex that displays the different crops grown on the island from pre-Hispanic times to the present day, including rye, sugar cane, grapevine, banana, and tomato. The exhibits provide visitors with a comprehensive understanding of the island’s agriculture and the role sugar cane played in shaping the island’s history. Additionally, the museum offers guided tours that provide visitors with a more in-depth understanding of the exhibits and the island’s history…
History of Museo De La Zafra
The Museo de la Zafra is a museum located in Vecindario, Santa Lucía de Tirajana, Gran Canaria. It was established to preserve the history of sugar cane production on Gran Canaria, which was a significant part of the island’s economy in the past.
The museum was built in an old sugar cane factory that was in operation from 1902 to 1978. It was inaugurated in 1990 and has since become a popular tourist attraction. The museum’s exhibits showcase the tools and machinery used in sugar cane production, as well as the history of the industry on Gran Canaria.
The museum is divided into several sections, including the history of sugar cane cultivation, the production process, and the social and economic impact of the industry on the island. Visitors can also see a replica of a traditional sugar cane mill and learn about the different types of sugar produced on Gran Canaria.
Sugar Cane Production
Sugar cane production is a significant part of the history of Gran Canaria. The Museo de la Zafra is a museum dedicated to the history of sugar cane production on the island. In this section, we will discuss the growing process, harvesting process, and machinery used in sugar cane production.
Growing Process
Sugar cane is a tropical grass that grows best in warm and humid climates. The growing process starts with planting the sugar cane stalks, which are cut from mature plants. The stalks are planted in rows, and it takes about a year for the sugar cane to mature.
During the growing process, the sugar cane plants need plenty of water and nutrients. Farmers use irrigation systems to ensure that the plants get enough water, and they fertilize the soil to provide the plants with the necessary nutrients.
Harvesting Process
The harvesting process starts when the sugar cane plants are mature. Farmers use machetes to cut the sugar cane stalks at the base, leaving the leaves behind. The cut stalks are then loaded onto trucks and taken to the processing plant.
At the processing plant, the sugar cane stalks are crushed to extract the juice. The juice is then boiled to remove the water and concentrate the sugar. The resulting mixture is called molasses.
Machinery Used
Machinery plays a crucial role in sugar cane production. Farmers use tractors to prepare the soil and plant the sugar cane stalks. They also use irrigation systems to water the plants and harvesters to cut the sugar cane stalks.
At the processing plant, machinery is used to crush the sugar cane stalks and extract the juice. The juice is then boiled in large vats, and the resulting molasses is further processed to produce sugar.
Tomato Growing in Gran Canaria
Tomato Plant Cultivation
Tomato cultivation in Gran Canaria is a significant part of the island’s agricultural history. The warm and sunny climate, along with the volcanic soil, makes it an ideal location for growing tomatoes. The tomato plants are usually grown in greenhouses, which protect them from the strong winds and high temperatures. The plants are grown in a hydroponic system, which uses water and nutrients to grow the plants.
The tomato plants are usually planted in September and October and are harvested from December to May. The tomato plants are grown using drip irrigation, which helps to conserve water and reduce water wastage. The plants are also grown using natural pest control methods, which means that harmful pesticides are not used.
Packing and Export
Once the tomatoes are harvested, they are packed and exported to various countries around the world. The tomatoes are carefully sorted and graded according to their size, color, and quality. The packaging is done in a hygienic environment to ensure that the tomatoes are fresh and free from any contaminants.
The tomatoes are then transported to the port of Las Palmas, where they are loaded onto ships and transported to their destination. The tomatoes are exported to countries such as the UK, Germany, France, and Italy.
Water Management
Water management played a crucial role in the production of sugar cane on Gran Canaria. The island’s unique topography, with steep mountains and deep ravines, made it difficult to access water for irrigation. The Museo de la Zafra showcases the innovative techniques used by farmers to overcome this challenge and ensure the success of their crops.
Irrigation System
One of the key innovations was the development of an irrigation system that relied on gravity to distribute water across the fields. Farmers built channels, or acequias, that followed the contours of the land, allowing water to flow downhill to the crops. They also constructed terraces, or bancales, to create level areas for planting. This system was highly effective and is still used today in some areas of Gran Canaria.
Water Galleries
Another important technique was the construction of water galleries, or galerías. These were tunnels dug into the mountainside to capture water from underground springs. The galleries were lined with stone to prevent collapse and to channel the water towards the fields. This method allowed farmers to access water that would have otherwise been inaccessible, and it was crucial in areas where surface water was scarce.
Reservoirs
To store water for use during dry spells, farmers built reservoirs, or presas. These were often located in natural depressions in the landscape, and they were lined with stone to prevent water from seeping into the ground. The reservoirs were filled during the rainy season and used to irrigate the crops during the dry season. They were also used to generate hydroelectric power, which was used to grind the sugar cane.
Ethnographic Complex
The Museo de la Zafra is an ethnographic complex located in Santa Lucía, Gran Canaria, dedicated to preserving the history of sugar cane production on the island. The complex is a space built to preserve the memory of the area’s agricultural past, labor tradition, and way of life in close connection with its main crop: sugar cane.
Agricultural Past
The Museo de la Zafra has a plot of land used to grow various crops that have been cultivated on the island from pre-Hispanic times to the present day. These crops include rye, sugar cane, grapevine, banana, prickly pears, and more. Visitors can see the different crops and learn about their history and significance in the region.
The agricultural past of Gran Canaria is rich and varied, and the Museo de la Zafra is an excellent place to learn about it. The museum has displays and exhibits that showcase the different farming techniques used on the island over the years, as well as the tools and equipment used in the process.
Labour Tradition
The labor tradition of Gran Canaria is closely tied to its agricultural past, and the Museo de la Zafra is dedicated to preserving this tradition as well. Visitors can learn about the different jobs and roles involved in sugar cane production, from planting and harvesting to processing and transportation.
The museum has exhibits that showcase the tools and equipment used by workers in the fields and factories, as well as photographs and documents that provide insight into the daily lives of those who worked in the industry.
Visiting the Museum
If you are interested in the history of sugar cane production on Gran Canaria, then you should visit the Museo de la Zafra. This museum is dedicated to preserving the memory of the area’s agricultural past, labor tradition, and way of life in close connection with its main crop: sugar cane.
Admission Details
The admission fee for the Museo de la Zafra is €3.50 for adults and €1.50 for children. The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM during the summer timetable, which runs from June to September. During the winter timetable, which runs from October to May, the museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Timetable
The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday. During the summer timetable, which runs from June to September, the museum is open from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. During the winter timetable, which runs from October to May, the museum is open from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. It is closed on Mondays.
Exhibitions
The Museo de la Zafra has a variety of exhibitions that showcase the history of sugar cane production on Gran Canaria. The exhibitions include:
- The history of sugar cane production on Gran Canaria
- The tools and machinery used in sugar cane production
- The impact of sugar cane production on the local economy and way of life
The exhibitions are presented in both Spanish and English, making it accessible to a wider audience.
Location and Contact
Address
The Museo de la Zafra is located in the town of Vecindario, in the southeast of Gran Canaria. The address of the museum is 33 Calle Isla de la Graciosa, Vecindario, Santa Lucía de Tirajana 35110 Gran Canaria. The museum is easy to find and is located in a central location, making it accessible to visitors from all over the island.
Telephone
If you have any questions or would like to make a reservation, you can contact the museum by telephone at 928 759 706. The staff at the museum are knowledgeable and friendly, and will be happy to answer any questions you may have about the exhibits or the history of sugar cane production on Gran Canaria.
The Museo de la Zafra is a must-visit for anyone interested in the history of sugar cane production on Gran Canaria. With its fascinating exhibits and knowledgeable staff, the museum provides a unique opportunity to learn about the island’s agricultural past and the impact that sugar cane production had on the local economy. So if you’re planning a trip to Gran Canaria, be sure to add the Museo de la Zafra to your itinerary!