Las Tablas de San Andrés 2024 transformed the streets of Icod de los Vinos and La Guancha, in the north of Tenerife, into a vibrant stage of traditions, adrenaline, and authentic flavors. This event, held in the last days of November, attracted thousands of visitors, solidifying its place as one of the most distinctive and popular festivities in the Canary Islands. Born from the need to transport wood from the mountains to the coast for the construction of barrels and boats, the practice of sliding down the steep streets of the town on wooden boards has become the heart of the celebration. Today, the traditional arrastre de tablas (board sliding) brings together participants of all ages who launch themselves down slopes like the famous Calle El Plano, using not only wooden boards but also modern materials like Bakelite and methacrylate, capable of reaching surprising speeds and offering unique thrills.
Another distinctive element of the celebration is the cacharros, a noisy and joyful tradition rooted in the region's agricultural past. Cacharros consist of long strings of cans, pots, and metal objects tied together and dragged through the streets, creating a deafening clatter. Originally, it is said that they were used to symbolically “wake up” barrels ready to receive the new wine, but today they have become an opportunity for play and creativity, especially for children, who compete to create the loudest and most spectacular compositions.
The festivities officially began on November 28 with the uncorking of the first bottle of the year’s harvest, a symbolic event accompanied by live music and tastings of the new wine, marking the start of a festive and convivial atmosphere. In the days that followed, the streets of Icod were filled with the enveloping aromas of roasted chestnuts and the intense flavor of local wine—a combination that represents the authentic and rural essence of the region. The celebration concluded on November 30 with the Grand Wine Festival, during which local wineries offered visitors the chance to taste Tenerife's finest wines, paired with traditional dishes prepared by nearby restaurants.
This year, the event saw extraordinary participation, with an increasingly international audience drawn by the magic of a festival that combines history, culture, and adventure. Between the thrilling board descents, the clatter of the cacharros, and the celebration of local flavors, Las Tablas de San Andrés has established itself as a must-attend event for those looking to immerse themselves in the authenticity and energy of the Canary Islands. A tradition that, year after year, continues to grow and project itself toward an even brighter future.