Canary Islanders Heritage Society of Louisiana
An organization dedicated to preserving and promoting the culture of the Canary Islanders descendants in Louisiana, with a focus on the 18th century settlements of Valenzuela and Galveztown
WELCOME
Welcome to the website of the Canary Islanders Heritage Society of Louisiana, a cultural, historical, and genealogical society dedicated to promoting the history and heritage of our ancestry of the Canary Islands, with emphasis on those who lived at the settlement of Galveztown and Valenzuela in south Louisiana. Over twenty years ago, our society was formed to preserve and promote the culture of our Isleño ancestors who came to Louisiana in the late 18th century in search of a better life. We also promote cultural exchanges between Louisiana and the Canaries.
MEETINGS AND EVENTS
CIHSL Fall 2025 Meeting
November 1, 2025
The fall quarterly meeting will be held on Saturday, November 1st at 11:00 AM at the EBR Parish Library - Bluebonnet branch at 9200 Bluebonnet Blvd. in Baton Rouge.
Mary Lydia Ruiz, a retired healthcare executive and long-time member of the Canary Islanders Heritage Society of Louisiana, will present a fascinating talk about José de Rivera, the world-renowned modern sculptor whose work is featured on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., and at the 1964 New York World’s Fair. Despite his global acclaim, Rivera’s deep ties to Louisiana remain largely unknown—until now.
A passionate genealogist with roots in the Valenzuela Canary Islanders, Ruiz was drawn to Rivera’s story after discovering his own Louisiana ancestry. Through her extensive research, Ruiz uncovered Rivera’s connection to the Canary Islanders of St. Bernard Parish on his father’s side. Rivera in his time was in high demand for important public sculpture commissions in prestigious locations such as airports, universities, and corporate centers. Ruiz believes that “Louisiana should proudly claim him as one of our own.”
The presentation will not only explore Rivera’s monumental sculptures and artistic legacy but also delve into the untold story of his family’s roots in Louisiana. And, for those attending, Ruiz will reveal an exciting personal connection to Rivera that will leave you surprised and inspired.
CIHSL Summer Meeting
August 2, 2025 - Thibodaux, Louisiana
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For our summer 2025 meeting, we met at the Lafourche Heritage Society annual seminar in Thibodaux, LA. President Chad LeBlanc delivered a presentation on the families of Pierre Part and Belle River which included many Isleño descendants.
"2025 Los Isleños Fiesta"
March 16, 2025
The 48th annual Los Isleños Fiesta was held on Sunday, March 16, 2025 in St. Bernard. Unfortunately, the fiesta events scheduled on Saturday, March 15 had to be cancelled due to weather.
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The folkloric group Achimencey del Sur, Santa Lucia de Tirajana, Gran Canaria preformed at the event and it was a great success.
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The 2026 Fiesta is set for March 7-8, 2026. More info can be found at the link below.
CIHSL Spring 2025 Meeting
May 10, 2025
The spring quarterly meeting of the society was held on Saturday, May 10, 2025 at the Bluebonnet Library in Baton Rouge.
We celebrated the traditional Isleños festival "Dia de la Cruz", where crosses are decorated to commemorate our ancestors. Members brought supplies and decorated their crosses. Some will be placed on their ancestors' graves.
Pictured (L to R) - Gloria Toth, Alisa Janney, Marie Estopinal, Darlene Soule.