Image
Loading...

Los Isleños Heritage and Cultural Society of St. Bernard was organized in 1976 to preserve, interpret, and promote the language, heritage, and cultural traditions of Canary Islanders who settled in Louisiana between 1778 and 1783.

Image
  • Image
    Opening Hours

    Wednesday through Sunday from 11:00 a.m. ‒ 4:00 p.m. BY APPOINTMENT. See more...

  • Image
    Host an Event

    Rent our space for your wedding, party, or other gathering. Book now...

  • Image
    Where You Visit

    1357 Bayou Rd, St Bernard, LA 70085.
    Please park in the gravel parking lot next to El Museo de los Isleños (Los Isleños Museum).



Los Isleños Museum and Historic Village, known formally as Los Isleños Museum Complex, is composed of nine structures and includes a Houma Native American interprative area, marker to the Filipino presence in Louisiana, and nature trail. See more...


Who are the Isleños?

An Isleño (pronounced ees-LAYN-yoh) is a descendant of Canary Islanders who arrived in the territory of Louisiana during the late 18th century. Through their interaction with the natural environment and neighboring communities in the region, the Isleños of Louisiana have developed a unique identity and culture. A number of elderly Isleños speak Spanish as a first language and practice the customs of our ancestors.

The word isleño is Spanish for ‘Islander’ as in ‘Canary Islander’.

Isleños
Canarian Flag
NO PIERDAS LA OPORTUNIDAD

Upcoming Events

Seafood Fundraiser

Santa on the Bayou

December 12th, 2026

Recent News


heatwave



Memorial Day

May 26th, 2026

Memorial Day is a time to remember and honor the men and women who gave their lives in service to our country.

Throughout St. Bernard Parish's history, generations of Isleño descendants answered the call to serve. Today we pause to reflect on their sacrifice and express gratitude for the freedoms they helped protect.


heatwave



80th Anniversary of VE Day

May 8th, 2026

This year marks the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day, which signaled the end of World War II in Europe.

Like communities across Louisiana, many Isleño families contributed to the war effort through military service and work on the home front. Today we remember the sacrifices made by that generation and honor those who helped secure peace for future generations.


heatwave



El Cinco de Mayo y la herencia hispana

May 5th, 2026

While Cinco de Mayo commemorates a Mexican victory at the Battle of Puebla, the holiday also offers an opportunity to reflect on the diverse Spanish-speaking cultures that have shaped communities throughout the Americas.

The Isleños of St. Bernard Parish trace their roots to settlers from Spain's Canary Islands who arrived in Louisiana between 1778 and 1783. Their traditions, language, music, and food remain an important part of Louisiana's cultural landscape today.


Image

A Brief History of the Isleños

The Journey

Between 1778 and 1783, about 2,000 Canary Islanders arrived in Louisiana and were settled in four locations strategically placed to protect the city of New Orleans. The settlements were known as Galveztown, Valenzuela, Barataria, and San Bernardo. Those at San Bernardo lived on land grants along Bayou Terre-aux-Boeufs.

Feeding a city

In San Bernardo, the Isleños quickly established their significance in the New World through their produce and poultry which dominated the markets of New Orleans. Ranchers from as far as Texas came to have their cattle trained by skilled Isleños. Later, many Isleños began to hunt, trap, and fish in the Louisiana wetlands.

Today

Only in St. Bernard Parish has the language and culture of those original Canary Islanders survived, in a significant measure, into the 21st century. Perhaps several hundred thousand people are descendants today. The Isleño community represents the last living vestige of Spanish Colonial Louisiana and the extent of the Canarian identity.

Website Dedication

Image



Frank Fernández, Jr. (1918 – 2001) remained unsurpassed as a benevolent family patriarch, educator, public servant, and community leader. His unfailing courage in confronting life’s battles was an inspiration to all who knew him. Frank Fernández founded the movement to preserve the heritage and cultural identity of the Isleños as well as establish Los Isleños Museum and Historic Village and Los Isleños Heritage and Cultural Society of St. Bernard.


Adele (Molero) Fernández (1926 – 2016) was the ever-faithful wife and companion of Frank Fernández. She was proud of her heritage and consistently displayed the courage and “resilience” to successfully contend with hurricanes, floods, and rebuilding her home. She was a loyal and resourceful friend who cared for her family. Mrs. Fernández was an excellent cook, gracious hostess, and keen observer of humanity.