Historians Debunk Longstanding Myth Surrounding La Laguna’s Historic ‘La Carrera’ Street

San Cristóbal de La Laguna, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a city where local myth and historical fact often collide. As reported by Domingo Medina in Diario de Avisos, the distinct slope of the first section of Obispo Rey Redondo Street—historically known as La Carrera—is at the center of one of the city’s most enduring legends.

For generations, local folklore has claimed that this incline was not natural. According to the story, Alonso Fernández de Lugo ordered the street to be raised to hide the exact spot where his son, Fernando, was killed in a crime of passion. This dramatic tale has become deeply rooted in the city's collective memory, giving the street a significance that goes far beyond its role as a simple thoroughfare.

However, historians like María Rosa Alonso and Manuela Marrero have debunked this myth, pointing to the city’s natural geography instead. Technical evidence shows that the slope is simply a result of the original landscape, shaped by rainwater runoff flowing from the higher parts of town toward the ravines. This practical explanation contradicts the idea that the street was altered by human intervention.

Regardless of the legends surrounding its layout, La Carrera remains a vital piece of history. Its current name, adopted in 1913 to honor Bishop Rey Redondo, is just the latest in a long history of titles that reflect the city’s changing customs. In the 16th century, it was known by various names, including the street leading to the church of Nuestra Señora de los Remedios, before eventually becoming "La Carrera." The name refers to the horse races that once ran from the outskirts of town to the Plaza del Adelantado. These races were a staple of local life until the street was paved, making them impossible to continue. The survival of these stories and names highlights just how central this street has been to public life in Tenerife’s historic center.