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Los Isleños Heritage and Cultural Society of St. Bernard was organized in 1976 to preserve, interpret, and promote the language, heritage, and cultural traditions of Canary Islanders who settled in Louisiana between 1778 and 1783.

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    Opening Hours

    Wednesday through Sunday from 11:00 a.m. ‒ 4:00 p.m. BY APPOINTMENT. See more...

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    Host an Event

    Rent our space for your wedding, party, or other gathering. Book now...

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    Where You Visit

    1357 Bayou Rd, St Bernard, LA 70085.
    Please park in the gravel parking lot next to El Museo de los Isleños (Los Isleños Museum).



Los Isleños Museum and Historic Village, known formally as Los Isleños Museum Complex, is composed of nine structures and includes a Houma Native American interprative area, marker to the Filipino presence in Louisiana, and nature trail. See more...


Who are the Isleños?

An Isleño (pronounced ees-LAYN-yoh) is a descendant of Canary Islanders who arrived in the territory of Louisiana during the late 18th century. Through their interaction with the natural environment and neighboring communities in the region, the Isleños of Louisiana have developed a unique identity and culture. A number of elderly Isleños speak Spanish as a first language and practice the customs of our ancestors.

The word isleño is Spanish for ‘Islander’ as in ‘Canary Islander’.

Isleños
Canarian Flag
NO PIERDAS LA OPORTUNIDAD

Upcoming Events

Seafood Fundraiser

Los Islenos Fiesta 2024

March 2 & 3, 2024

Recent News




Aquí en Louisiana ¿Quiénes son Los Isleños?

March 26, 2024


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Islander Spotlight: Javier Bardem

March 22, 2024

Perhaps the most acclaimed actor to hail from the Canaries, Javier Bardem was born in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, in the Canary Islands, Spain. His mother, Pilar Bardem, was an actress, and his father, José Carlos Encinas Doussinague, was the son of a cattle rancher. Bardem comes from a long line of filmmakers and actors dating back to the earliest days of Spanish cinema. He is a grandson of actors Rafael Bardem and Matilde Muñoz Sampedro (sister of actresses Mercedes and Guadalupe), and a nephew of screenwriter and director Juan Antonio Bardem. On the latter's side, he is a cousin of filmmaker Miguel Bardem. He comes from a political background, as his uncle Juan Antonio was imprisoned by Franco for his anti-fascist films. Bardem was brought up in the Roman Catholic faith by his grandmother. His films have grossed over a billion dollars, making him the most successful actor to be born in the Canary Islands!


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Population in the Canary Islands passes 2.2 million people

March 5, 2024

According to the latest data from the National Institute of Statistics (INE), it has been revealed that the population of the Canary Islands has exceeded 2.2 million inhabitants, reaching a total of 2,213,016 at the end of 2023. This represents a growth of 1.2% over the past year, with an increase of 27,409 people compared to the previous count of 2,185,607 inhabitants. The overall population of Spain has experienced a notable increase of 507,548 people, marking a growth rate of 1.06% and reaching a historical high of 48,592,909 inhabitants. This surge is primarily attributed to the rise in the number of people born abroad, with the percentage of foreigners residing in Spain reaching a record-breaking 13.4% in 2023.


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A Brief History of the Isleños

The Journey

Between 1778 and 1783, about 2,000 Canary Islanders arrived in Louisiana and were settled in four locations strategically placed to protect the city of New Orleans. The settlements were known as Galveztown, Valenzuela, Barataria, and San Bernardo. Those at San Bernardo lived on land grants along Bayou Terre-aux-Boeufs.

Feeding a city

In San Bernardo, the Isleños quickly established their significance in the New World through their produce and poultry which dominated the markets of New Orleans. Ranchers from as far as Texas came to have their cattle trained by skilled Isleños. Later, many Isleños began to hunt, trap, and fish in the Louisiana wetlands.

Today

Only in St. Bernard Parish has the language and culture of those original Canary Islanders survived, in a significant measure, into the 21st century. Perhaps several hundred thousand people are descendants today. The Isleño community represents the last living vestige of Spanish Colonial Louisiana and the extent of the Canarian identity.

Website Dedication

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Frank Fernández, Jr. (1918 – 2001) remained unsurpassed as a benevolent family patriarch, educator, public servant, and community leader. His unfailing courage in confronting life’s battles was an inspiration to all who knew him. Frank Fernández founded the movement to preserve the heritage and cultural identity of the Isleños as well as establish Los Isleños Museum and Historic Village and Los Isleños Heritage and Cultural Society of St. Bernard.


Adele (Molero) Fernández (1926 – 2016) was the ever-faithful wife and companion of Frank Fernández. She was proud of her heritage and consistently displayed the courage and “resilience” to successfully contend with hurricanes, floods, and rebuilding her home. She was a loyal and resourceful friend who cared for her family. Mrs. Fernández was an excellent cook, gracious hostess, and keen observer of humanity.