Las Palmas, Canary Islands, Spain

Aerial daytime view of Cathedral of Las Palmas in Las Plamas, Canary Islands, Spain.

Quick Facts

Founded: A.D. 1478
Population: 378,517
Area: 38.82 square miles
(100.55 square kilometers)
Main Industries: Tourism, agriculture and manufacturing
Relationship Established: 1975

Overview

Las Palmas, the capital city of the island of Gran Canaria, is a very modern and cosmopolitan city and home of one of the most important commercial ports in the world: "El Puerto de la Luz" which is often tied to exporting machinery, motor vehicles and pharmaceuticals. The island of Gran Canaria is famous for its wonderful climate and magnificent beaches as well as for breathtaking scenery.

In 2006, San Antonio celebrated "The International Symposium of the Canary Islands," which commemorated the 275th anniversary of the founding of municipal governments in San Antonio by Canary Islanders.

Relationship with San Antonio

1975 Sister City Resolution (PDF)

Gifts

Video: The Founders Monument

Located in front of the historic Bexar County Courthouse, this monument honors the Canary Islanders who arrived in San Antonio on March 9, 1731, after traveling from Veracruz, Mexico.

Created by Laredo artist Armando Hinojosa and donated by the Canary Islanders Descendants Association of San Antonio, the set of six statues depicts the four founding communities of the city: American Indians, Franciscan friars, Presidio soldiers and Canary Islanders.

Video: Virgin of Candelaria

Inside San Fernando Cathedral is the Virgin of Candelaria, popularly known as "La Morenita," the Patroness of the Canary Islands. This retablo was a gift from Manuel Hermoso, the former President of the Canary Islands, and serves as a testament to the strong historic ties between San Antonio and the islands.

San Antonio continues to maintain these connections through the Descendants Association and its three Sister Cities: Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and Lanzarote.

Gallery

Daytime image of beach promenade at Las Canteras beach in Las Palmas, Canary Islands, Spain. — Las Canteras

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Beach view of Alfredo Kraus auditorium, a music hall, in Las Palmas, Canary Islands, Spain. — Alfredo Kraus Auditorium

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