Exhibition at San Miguel Chapel Honors the Legacy of La Laguna’s Dairy Farmers

The Hermitage of San Miguel in La Laguna is currently hosting a captivating exhibition that pays homage to the historical significance of dairy farmers, with a particular focus on the milkmaids, until 8 October. This event not only celebrates their contributions but also aims to preserve the rich cultural heritage associated with this vital profession.

Illuminating the Contributions of Milkmaids

This exhibition, which opened its doors on Wednesday, seeks to highlight the essential roles that rural women played in La Laguna’s dairy industry. Milkmaids, who once traversed the streets of La Laguna and Santa Cruz selling fresh milk directly to households, are the central figures of this event. Their stories and experiences are brought to life through a variety of displays and artifacts.

The inauguration of the exhibition was marked by the presence of notable figures, including Dailos González, the Councillor for Festivals and Equality, and Dulce Rodríguez from the Sectoral Council of Clothing for the Cabildo of Tenerife. The exhibition is curated by historian Zebensuí López Trujillo, who has meticulously gathered materials that reflect the rich cultural and ethnographic heritage associated with these women.

Exhibition Features and Visitor Experience

Visitors to the exhibition can explore its offerings from Tuesday to Friday, between 10:00 to 14:00 and 15:00 to 17:00, as well as on Saturdays from 10:00 to 13:00. During the opening ceremony, González emphasized the importance of recognizing the life stories of milkmaids and their indispensable role within the community. He remarked on how their contributions have shaped the local culture and economy.

Rodríguez elaborated on the traditional clothing worn by milkmaids, which is prominently displayed on mannequins throughout the exhibition. This display illustrates the evolution of their attire from the late 19th century through the mid-20th century, showcasing how clothing styles reflect the social and economic conditions of the time. She noted that the clothing itself tells a story of resilience and adaptation.

Curator Zebensuí Díaz provided further insights into the often-overlooked strength and entrepreneurial spirit of these women. Not only were they responsible for selling milk, but they also played a crucial role in advocating for their rights and challenging local authorities to sustain their livelihoods. The exhibition aims to amplify their voices by identifying them through historical documents preserved in the Municipal Archive of La Laguna, allowing visitors to connect with their legacies.

Historical Context and the Decline of the Milkmaid Profession

The exhibition features a variety of informative panels, large-format photographs, and artifacts related to the milkmaid profession. Among the items on display are wicker baskets and milk containers that were essential tools for these women. Additionally, a documentary film from the Canary Islands Film Library is included in the exhibition, providing valuable insights into the traditional occupation and its significance in the region.

Historically, milkmaids transported milk in tin containers balanced on their heads, covering long distances from production areas such as Las Mercedes and La Esperanza to urban centers. The path they traveled, known as the ‘milkmaids’ path,’ continues to connect the valleys of La Laguna with Santa Cruz, serving as a reminder of their hard work and dedication.

However, the profession began to decline in the late 20th century, primarily due to stricter health regulations and the increasing popularity of processed milk sales. In 1962, a ban on the bulk sale of fresh milk was enacted, which ultimately led to the disappearance of milkmaids from the streets. Prior to this decline, these women were known for organizing significant protests, including a notable demonstration in front of the Civil Government headquarters in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, advocating for their rights and livelihoods.

La Laguna, along with neighboring Rosario and Tegueste, was historically a key area for the production and sale of fresh milk. Many rural women relied on this profession as their primary source of income, making the decline of the milkmaid profession a significant loss for the community. The exhibition serves as a poignant reminder of their contributions and the challenges they faced.

Key points

• The exhibition at San Miguel Chapel runs until 8 October.
• It focuses on the historical role of milkmaids in La Laguna and Santa Cruz.
• Inaugurated by local officials and a historian, the exhibition aims to honor rural women.
• Visitors can view the exhibition from Tuesday to Saturday during specified hours.
• Artifacts and documents related to the milkmaid profession are on display.
• The profession of milkmaids declined due to health regulations and the rise of processed milk.
• La Laguna was a significant area for fresh milk production and sales.