The Tables of San Andres
The Tables of San Andres is a popular celebration, which for quite some time has been part of the tradition of the locals in the town of Icod de los Vinos, in Tenerife. Here locals and strangers meet to commemorate a date on which Saint Andrew's Day is also celebrated.
What is the origin of this celebration?
It is a traditional event that takes place on November 29 at night, which is attended not only by locals, but also by people from other regions to participate in the climbs of the wooden boards, for this they walk the streets that resemble steep slopes, and then launch from the top and thus achieve greater speed.
It is a very colorful practice, which attracts the attention of both young and old and is believed to have its origins from the time when wood was transported from a sawmill located in the mountains of this town to the coast in the 16th century. , in order to make boats, barrels and other artisan objects.
With the passage of time, this event would happen to be held coincidentally with the San Andrés festival, where the aroma of wine, the merriment and the joy of the people make this meeting a very special moment.
What is this celebration about?
Although the main attraction of this festival is to see the people mounted on the wooden boards, the locals also look forward to the arrival of the eve to taste the exquisite wine of the Icod region, an ideal time to meet with friends and celebrate. such an important event.
Once the drag begins, the crowd goes through "San Antonio, Hercules, del Salto and El Plano", which are the traditional streets where this event takes place.
It is quite common to see one or more people on the wooden planks, which are designed in such a way that they can facilitate the journey and so that the sliding downhill is faster, the tables are lubricated with products such as candle wax, oils or tallow.
When the person sits on the board, the descent begins at very high speed, which culminates with the braking a bit harsh on a bunch of tightly packed tires that serve to cushion the fall and thus prevent the person from suffering some kind of injury.
However, despite the danger that this type of activity can cause among the participants, it continues to be carried out and this is due, in a certain way, to the excitement and adrenaline that it generates among the attending public and those who dare to do such feat.
What places to see in Icod de los Vinos?
Icod de los Vinos is a beautiful region of Spain that will simply captivate you. Visit places such as the Millennium Dragon Tree, which was declared a National Monument in 1917 and is one of the most emblematic and ancient symbols of this place.
Other places of tourist interest are undoubtedly the Guanche Museum and the Malvasía Museum, in the latter, you can taste one of the best wines that are harvested in this area.
On the other hand, there is also the third highest volcano in the world called "Teide de Tenerife" or "Parque del Drago", a beautiful botanical garden, where there is a beautiful and exotic flora that you will only find in the Canary Islands, which add greater beauty to this heavenly place.
As for its gastronomy, you cannot miss the delicious flavor of mojos or traditional wrinkled potatoes, which are characterized by being served with the skin or the unmissable gofio. In addition, you can delight your palate by savoring its most exquisite sweets such as the rich bienmesabe, the piononos, the frangollo, the torrijas, the rice with honey or the roasted milk and the traditional quesadilla.
