Roque Idafe (Idafe Rock) – La Palma, Spain - Atlas Obscura

Roque Idafe (Idafe Rock)

Indigenous cultures believed all life would end if this enormous rock toppled. 

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For the indigenous people of the Canary Islands, one of the most religious spots on La Palma was Idafe Rock. This rock was named after the god Idafe.

The islanders feared the rock might fall and end all life, as according to some sources, they believed the natural formation held up the skies. The locals worshipped Idafe, hoping he would keep the rock from falling.

They gave many offerings to the rock, usually in the form of food such as offal and fruit peels. Two people would carry the food to the mountain and, according to 16t- century writings by Fray Juan de Abreu y Galindo, they would sing, “it is said that Idafe will fall” and “give him what we bring, and he will not fall.” 

Know Before You Go

The rock is freely accessible, but only by foot.

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November 26, 2019

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