Roque Idafe (Idafe Rock)
Indigenous cultures believed all life would end if this enormous rock toppled.
Roque Idafe. Reinhard Kraasch (CC BY-SA 4.0)
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.
In partnership with KAYAK
Plan Your Trip
Stay in Touch!
Follow us on social media to add even more wonder to your day.
Follow us on Twitter
Like us on Facebook
Follow Us on Instagram
No Thanks
Visit AtlasObscura.com
No purchase necessary. Winner will be selected at random on 10/01/2023. Offer available only in the U.S. (including Puerto Rico). Offer subject to change without notice. See contest rules for full details.
Follow us on Twitter to get the latest on the world's hidden wonders.
Like us on Facebook to get the latest on the world's hidden wonders.
Follow us on Twitter Like us on Facebook