![]() Nativity scene in La Orotava (Tenerife). The figure representing Saint Joseph wears a manta esperancera. | |
Type | Cape |
---|---|
Material | Wool |
Place of origin | Tenerife, Spain |
The manta esperancera is a traditional male cape worn by farmers in Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain. It is always beige. At the bottom It has a series of alternating stripes with beige background of blue hues.
History
[edit]The manta esperancera originated in high, wet and wooded areas of the island of Tenerife. They were originally wool blankets imported from England.[1] Later they became used as men's field clothing. The manta esperancera began in the town of La Esperanza , as this is the place where the weather made the manta esperancera the most useful.
Alternatively, the manta esperancera could be an evolution of the Tamarco, a winter garment that was worn by the Guanche autochthones of the Canary Islands. Over time, the manta esperancera has become a symbol of the traditional clothing of the Canary Islands. It is now traditionally worn by several folk groups of the islands including Los Sabandeños and Los Gofiones .[2]