“Did those spirits truly roam this land?” a voice echoed, startling a bird perched atop the Cruz de Machal. The Cruz de Machal, a name whispered across generations on La Gomera. This unassuming cross, standing sentinel against the elements, holds within its weathered frame echoes of a fascinating past. The Cruz de Machal marks a path used by the islanders for centuries. It’s a path that meanders between San Sebastián and Playa de la Guancha. However, long before the Spanish conquest, this area, known as Machal, held a different kind of significance for the indigenous inhabitants. They believed in spirits, or “machias” as they called them, said to appear in monstrous forms. Imagine the fear of those who encountered these apparitions, believing them to be demons. A scholar, Álvarez Delgado, proposed that the very name “Machal” might be derived from “machial,” the name these early people gave to their idols or spirits. He drew parallels to the “magec” of Tenerife, suggesting a shared belief system across the Canary Islands. These “machias,” lurking in the shadows of the mountains and ravines, were a powerful presence in their lives. Today, the Cruz de Machal stands as a silent witness to these ancient beliefs, a tangible link to a time when spirits roamed the island. While the reality of the machias remains shrouded in the mists of time, the power of belief echoes in the very name of this place. Let the Cruz de Machal serve as a reminder of the rich tapestry of history and folklore woven into the very fabric of La Gomera.
Центральный дом работников искусств
Step through the grand wooden doors of the Central House of the Workers of Art, and you’ll be transported to