Santiago del Teide City Council, in partnership with Tenerife Cabildo and the Tenerife Rural Foundation, alongside the municipalities of Garachico and El Tanque, is all set to host the 17th edition of the historical barter event named “Across the Summit” on June 30th. This event is a blend of cultural and historical elements designed to provide participants with an authentic glimpse into the traditions of the island’s past.
This event pays homage to the Canarian ancestors who traversed the roads and trails of the Archipelago in search of sustenance for their families. The setting authentically recreates the ambiance of the commercial exchanges of yesteryears, meticulously showcasing the attire, tools, and trade practices employed by the peasants of that era.
Throughout the day, individuals adorned in traditional outfits engage in bartering activities reminiscent of centuries gone by. These outfits represent a variety of typical Canarian peasant roles, including the landlords, responsible for the land and authority; the goatherds who tended to the goats; witches, intertwined with popular beliefs and superstitions; pig farmers who raised pigs; dairy farmers who supplied fresh milk; and bakers offering homemade bread.
Essential components of the staging also include tools such as ploughs, baskets, scales, and other agricultural implements. These items not only serve as props but also educate visitors on the agricultural tools and techniques of that era, providing a palpable insight into Canarian rural life. The primary goal of the event is to honour the generations that relied on barter and the exchange of goods for their survival, a fundamental practice that enabled families to acquire necessities.
