The San Andrés Boards in Icod de los Vinos: tradition, new wine and chestnuts
In the north of Tenerife, specifically in the municipality of Icod de los Vinos, one of the most vibrant traditions of the Canary Islands takes place on November 29 and 30. The streets take on a special energy when young people traverse the cobblestone pavements dragging wooden boards that produce a unique sound, creating an unrepeatable festive atmosphere. This celebration strategically coincides with the end of the harvest season, inaugurating rituals around new wine and the native autumn products. 🎪
The ritual of uncorking the new wine
One of the most anticipated moments of the festivity is undoubtedly the uncorking of the new wine, where local winemakers proudly present their first harvests of the year. This act symbolizes the culmination of months of dedication in vineyards and wineries, allowing both visitors and residents to taste the youngest wines. The wineries generously open their doors to share this enological cultural heritage, organizing guided tastings that highlight the exclusive characteristics of the wines under the Ycoden-Daute-Isora designation of origin.
Highlights of the uncorking:- Presentation of the first annual harvests by local winemakers
- Guided tastings exploring the particularities of young wines
- Special opening of wineries to share enological traditions
"The uncorking of the new wine represents the materialization of months of work in the vineyards, uniting the community around the local viticultural wealth"
Traditional gastronomy: chestnuts and accompaniments
Parallel to the wine activities, the streets are filled with stalls offering roasted chestnuts, becoming the ideal complement to the new wine. Local producers showcase this autumn fruit prepared in multiple variations, from the classic roasted preparation to more innovative elaborations. The combination of the earthy flavor of chestnuts and the fruity character of young wines creates a sensory experience that defines the very essence of these festivals, complemented by other typical products such as artisanal cheeses and regional honey.
Traditional delicacies available:- Roasted chestnuts in classic and contemporary versions
- Artisanal cheeses from local production
- Regional honey and other native products
The symbolism of board dragging
It is significant that just when the new wine manifests its most rebellious character, the people of Icod prefer to indulge in board dragging. This tradition could be interpreted as a perfect metaphor for how to face festive excesses: sliding downhill with the hope of avoiding collisions with urban elements. The festivity thus integrates playful, gastronomic, and cultural elements into a celebration that reinforces local identity while honoring the region's agricultural and viticultural traditions. 🍷