Ranchos de Pascua and de Ánimas (Christmas tradition)

With religious origins (16th century, introduced by the Franciscans), this tradition survives in a distinctive form in Lanzarote. The Ranchos de Ánimas once sang for the dead to release souls from purgatory; at Christmas those songs turn festive and become the Ranchos de Pascua, performing verses and carols to tambourine, triangle, guitars and lute. The Rancho de Pascua of Teguise is among the oldest in the archipelago and the only one that includes dancing; they typically perform at Christmas Masses and events and at gatherings of ranchos.