Saint Anne is the patroness of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and co-patroness of the island. Her image presides over the altarpiece of the Cathedral-Basilica, and the surname Santana is very common in the city.
The devotion to Saint Anne, grandmother of Jesus and patroness of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, transcends the island's borders and spreads throughout the Catholic world. In the capital of Gran Canaria, the figure of Saint Anne occupies a central place in the Cathedral-Basilica, where a main altarpiece shows her teaching the Virgin Mary as a child to read. This large image symbolizes teaching, protection, and care.
Saint Anne is also co-patroness of Gran Canaria alongside the Virgin of the Pine, which reinforces her roots on the island. The cathedral, dedicated to Saint Anne, houses one of the most prominent representations of the saint, attracting both faithful and visitors. Local tradition links this devotion to the city's history, which celebrates its patronal festivities in honour of Saint Anne every 26th of July.
The surname Santana, a contraction of "Saint Anne," is particularly common in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, well above the national average. This fact has multiple origins: it may be due to the peninsular nobility that arrived during the Conquest, the baptism of native Canarians, the presence of conversos, or the relationship with hermitages and churches. In the past, the orphanage of the Cathedral-Basilica housed abandoned children under the patronage of Saint Anne, which contributed to the spread of the surname.
Canarian emigration over the centuries has taken the surname Santana to Latin America and the United States, where it is now common in countries like Cuba, Venezuela, or Puerto Rico. Thus, the devotion to Saint Anne and the surname derived from her have crossed the ocean, creating a bond between the Canaries and America.
In other Spanish cities, such as Zaragoza and Tudela, Saint Anne is also venerated with relics of her skull. In the Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar in Zaragoza, there is a chapel dedicated to the saint, with a sculpture showing her teaching the Virgin Girl to read. Tudela, for its part, preserves a Gothic reliquary bust from Zaragoza. These manifestations of devotion add to those in Las Palmas, where the saint is especially beloved.
The presence of Saint Anne in the Catholic world is extensive, with hermitages and churches dedicated to her in numerous countries. In the Canaries, her figure is a symbol of local identity, manifested not only in the cathedral but also in streets, squares, and popular sentiment. The feast of Saint Anne and Saint Joachim on 26th July is one of the most significant dates in the calendar of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, featuring religious and popular events.
For the residents of Las Palmas, Saint Anne represents a spiritual and cultural reference. The cathedral, which bears her name, is one of the city's most emblematic monuments, and its main altarpiece is an object of admiration. The devotion to the saint is passed down from generation to generation, keeping traditions alive.
The expansion of the surname Santana is a reflection of the Canarian influence in the world. Many Canarians emigrated to America taking their culture and surnames with them, and Santana is one of the most widespread. This phenomenon demonstrates how a religious devotion can leave a lasting mark on society, beyond the purely spiritual.
In conclusion, the devotion to Saint Anne in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is not only a religious fact but also an identity element that has transcended borders. The figure of the saint, represented in the cathedral, and the surname Santana, so common on the island, are proof of her roots. The patronal festivities in July are an opportunity for Canarians to renew their bond with their patroness.
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