True to his quote from the beginning of the year, Santiago del Teide It displays its traditional explosion of color on these dates, with hundreds of trees showing off their pink and white branches. is the almond blossomthat kind of spring that emerges like an island in the middle of winter between the midlands that border the border between the south and the north of Tenerife.
Although with a slight delay, the hatching of the petals has already begun and these days the landscape radiates a unique beauty that attracts many visitors, who find in this area of southwest Tenerife a panorama of contrasts that includes, in addition to the pinkish mutation , the jet streams of the Chinyero volcano between brooms, malpicas, tabaibas and prickly pears.
And it is that the almond tree is part of the history of Santiago del Teide and the region, after having been the main livelihood, if not the only one, of a large number of inhabitants, especially as a result of the decline of the cochineal in the XIX century. Almond, fig and prickly pear trees were essential in the livelihood of entire families, becoming their subsistence agriculture. Many neighbors prepared sweets in their homes that they later sold in markets and stores, and even the shells of the almond tree were used to light the fire in the home to temper the cold winter nights. Today there are still residents in this part of the Island whose life revolves around this food.
Routes between almond trees in Santiago del Teide
Aware of the importance of this natural phenomenon, the Santiago del Teide City Council has organized, once again this year, various routes between almond trees for hikers of all ages, starting from the town square.
Last Saturday, January 28, the first five walks were held, one of them open to the participation of pets, with a high number of walkers. The second day took place yesterday and acquired a special meaning, since two of the routes were set up for people with disabilities or mobility problems, who were also able to enjoy the charms of the landscape.
The last walk is scheduled for next Saturday under the suggestive title Almendros Lovers Route, intended for people in love, the organization points out, that they will find new charms in their relationship in contact with nature. As in the famous poem by Nicolás Estévanez, under the “sweet, fresh and unforgettable shadow of the almond tree”.
Emilio Navarro, mayor of Santiago del Teide, underlines the role of this natural resource as an economic booster for his municipality, as well as the contribution of the emblematic tree to the landscape during the months of January and February. “It is a unique spectacle to contemplate the beauty of its flowering mixed with the volcanic flows of the Chinyero, a contrast that captivates residents and visitors,” he says. The municipal councilor highlights the “deployment of actions” aimed at “invigorating and increasing the economic activity of the municipality, which translates into a guarantee of well-being for our neighbors.”
In addition to the routes, the programming of the twenty-sixth edition of the Almendro en Flor campaign, which has established itself as one of the most interesting initiatives in tourism, commercial and cultural matters, includes an extensive calendar of activities for families until the next day 26, with musical performances, contests, agro-artisan market and gastronomy workshops.
As detailed by Krysten Martín, Councilor for Local Development, the gastronomic route, with almonds as a central element, has the participation of 18 establishments and the collaboration of chef Pablo Pastor, president of the Association of Cooks and Pastry Chefs of the Canary Islands, who will offer various Pastry workshops at the Chinyero Visitor Center on the 9th, 16th and 17th. Exhibitions and cocktail tastings with almonds are also planned by the Tenerife Bartenders Association next Saturday and February 25th. For his part, Sergio Mendoza, Councilor for Culture, encourages visiting the municipality of Santiago del Teide on these dates to participate in the ephemeral spectacle of the almond blossom, although he recommends “responsibility in caring for the environment.”
