Animero

An Animero was, in the Canary Islands (Spain), a person considered especially pious who is popularly attributed some sanctity. The Animeros phenomenon is typical of the northern part of the island of Tenerife, towards the south and towards the other islands the figure of the Animero is becoming less frequent, and probably related to forms of religious worship Guanche previous to Christianity, as well as with similar cults in North Africa, dispensed to the Marabouts of the Maghreb. The Animeros were a sort of "santones" or "curanderos", because they cured illnesses and decided to contact with the souls of the deceased, the Animero was a relevant figure in the peasant societies of the XVII century until the middle of the XX century. At present the Animeros are almost extinct. In the Southeast of the Iberian peninsula the animeros, creatures of souls or simply crews were groups of 8 or 10 people who during Christmas went through the houses asking alms for the blessed souls. Since the 80's this tradition has been revitalized giving rise to "gang encounters" involving people of all ages performing traditional music from the area (malagueñas, paridias or parrandas, jotas, aguilandos, etc.).

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