Aboriginal society in the Canary Islands long focused on animal husbandry, a profession that sharpened a remarkable talent for caring for livestock. Shepherds moved across steep mountains and deep valleys with the aid of a stick measuring between two and four meters, allowing swift passages through rugged terrain.
This skill astonished early conquerors and later historians. In the 19th century, when the archipelago began drawing travelers and Europe turned to travel literature, many writers highlighted the enduring traditions of the Canaries.
Fascinate cultures with the same traditions
European travelers described it as the shepherd’s leap. In 1888, the British observer Charles Edwardes witnessed the practice and noted, “The peasant always carries his spear, a long wooden stick with a pointed tip, so that he can descend to the bottom of steep cliffs, such as those in La Palma, one of the most rugged regions of the islands.”
The same technique impressed author Olivia Stone, renowned for composing the most famous travel book about the Canaries at the time. She highlighted how shepherds used a pole vault to traverse rocky surfaces, a feat that modern observers would scarcely believe could be achieved by anyone under ordinary circumstances.
Rod or pole?
The shepherd jump is a skill practiced on several islands, yet the pole carries a different name on each one. In the official report that recognized the practice as a Cultural Value Asset, the terminology is noted as follows: “lanza” in La Palma, “astia” in El Hierro, “asta” in La Gomera, “lance” or “palo” or “regatón” in Tenerife, “garrote” in Gran Canaria and Fuerteventura, and Lanzarote uses “lath.” A common element across all islands is the preference for Canary pine wood, with pole length varying to suit the island’s terrain and degree of ruggedness.
Controlling livestock while grazing was a standard activity across the Canary Islands.
A sharp metal tip was later added to the end of the pole to improve grip on the ground. The metal enhancement is relatively recent; originally, the natives used bone fragments instead.
Jump in pure Canary style
Shepherding served as a practical method for managing cattle, but it also developed into a recreational pursuit where skill and showmanship were on display. Competitions gathered communities to crown the best jumping shepherd through events such as the spear pass, the flag toss, and the shepherd’s return, alongside events like the minor jump and the money jump.
Among the most celebrated is the “dead dribble jump,” a daring maneuver that involves dropping from a height and letting the stick travel twice its length through the air without dropping the stick before the takeoff. Today, groups that practice shepherd jumping for fun are known as the “jurria” and are organized under the Salto del Pastor Canario Federation.
a unique place
The activity remains more than an ancestral craft for seasoned herders. Today, the Canary Islands continue work that few places still undertake, making the archipelago a truly singular region. Some traditions have gained worldwide recognition, while others stay shrouded in secrecy. The Canary Islands host professions unique to the archipelago, forming a distinctive hallmark for the islands’ cultural identity.
history professions
Where else can one meet a professional whistler or someone who identifies as a guarapero? The Canaries also boast specialists such as the guachinchero, gofio miller, and cochineal retractor. Some of these roles edge toward extinction, but a handful of romantics and preservationists keep the stories alive, ensuring that these local traditions remain a vivid part of the region’s history. [CITATION: Canary Islands traditional professions and cultural practices]