The Royal Society of Friends of Gran Canaria

Las Palmas de Gran Canaria · Category: Cultural spaces · Subcategory: Institutions · Year: 1776

The Royal Economic Society of Friends of Gran Canaria was founded on 4th February 1776, under the protection of king Charles III and the direct efforts of Bishop Cervera, making it the oldest in the Canaries.

Its purpose over its two centuries of existence, has been to contribute to the development of Gran Canaria, in all its facets: boosting the economy (in agriculture, fishing, forestry, industry, commerce, ports, airport, communications, etc.). It has also promoted education (primary schools, art schools, secondary and university education), supported culture (exhibitions, conferences, publications,), from an altruistic and patriotic base laid out in its Statutes, and which are developed by sensitive individuals who make up the Society, away from political ideologies and religious beliefs.

Practically all leading intellectual figures on the island have been linked in some way to the the work of the “Friends Society”; a memorable figure, among the many important collaborators, is scientist Dr. Verneau, and juror, journalist and politician Franchy y Roca, brothers Juan and Fernando de León y Castillo, celebrated Lanzarote figure José Clavijo y Fajardo, who was taken on as a special member in 1800.

The institution's present headquarters are at the Square of the same name - Plaza de la Real Sociedad Económica de Amigos de País de Gran Canaria- in the historical and founder district of Vegueta, presided by the monument dedicated to D. José de Viera y Clavijo, one of the key exponents of the Canary Enlightenment Ilustración and Director of the Royal Society for twenty years.

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