The “release” of the clock of the Cathedral of Las Palmas (18th-19th centuries)

Trujillo Yánez, Gustavo Alejo
Universidad del Atlántico Medio
0009-0005-4471-3250

Abstract

The main and only mission of the clock bell of the Cathedral of Las Palmas was to emit the corresponding acoustic signals that announced the passing of the hours. Along with these, also served to soundly manifest the good events or news of the Canarian church itself, especially the promotion of its prelates and ecclesiastical dignities. These sounds were achieved by “throwing” or “releasing” the weights of the clock, causing its bell to ring continuously, thereby accompanying the festive ringing of the rest of the bells of the cathedral temple, played by the bell ringer.

Keywords

alegrías (games and festivities) , the pealing of bells , feast of Saint Joachim , feast of the dedication or reopening of a church , clock , Pedro Díaz Couthino (organist, clockmaker) , Lucas Conejero de Molina (bishop) , Francisco Pablo de Matos Coronado (archdeacon) , Juan Francisco Guillén Isso (bishop) , Luis de la Encina y Perla (archdeacon) , cathedral chapter