The Cabildo of Lanzarote and La Graciosa has officially presented the details for the 37th Lanzarote Craft Fair, to be held at the fairgrounds in Mancha Blanca, Tinajo. This year, the regional event sees significant growth, gathering more than 140 participants, including artisans, collectives, and institutions.
The President of the Cabildo, Oswaldo Betancort, thanked all those involved in the organization, with special mention to the Centers of Art, Culture, and Tourism (CACT) and the Municipality of Tinajo for their generous hosting. Betancort highlighted the economic and cultural impact of the fair, stating, "This fair once again positions Lanzarote as the epicenter of artisanal excellence in all of the Canary Islands." The increase in participants from 120 to over 140 demonstrates the sector's vitality, and the government assures its support to showcase the meticulous work and heritage value behind each piece.
Betancort emphasized the fair's inclusive nature, now internationalized with the presence of Uruguay. He urged citizens to "acquire a small piece of culture," as buying crafts means acquiring heritage, identity, and local economy, contributing to the preservation of the island's cultural heritage.
The Minister of Culture, Jesús Machín, praised the event's territorial cohesion and its rich cultural offering, which balances popular music, traditional groups, and unique performances like 'Acatife, echoes of women,' a tribute to women's contributions to the island's progress.
The CEO of Crafts, Aroa Revelo, detailed the rigorous selection process for this edition, celebrating 37 years of history. Revelo invited the public to visit the fair from September 10th to 15th and announced the demand to the Government of the Canary Islands to elevate the insular fair to a regional status, reflecting the wishes of artisans from across the archipelago.
The mayor of Tinajo, Jesús Machín, expressed his municipality's pride in hosting the fair in Mancha Blanca, solidifying it as a central hub. Municipal infrastructure will be available for the expected over 70,000 visitors, including improved bus access. An invitation was extended to attend the opening proclamation on the 9th.
This year's edition introduces thematic and exhibition novelties. Following last year's focus on traditional footwear, the current edition will highlight hats and headwear made from plant fibers from Lanzarote and La Graciosa. The aim is to revive and preserve the technical knowledge and meticulous craftsmanship associated with this traditional attire, historically linked to Canarian identity.
The fairgrounds will enhance its identity through intergenerational activities. The 'Heritage in the Hands' space will feature elder artisans demonstrating traditional crafts live. Additionally, eight professional instructors will lead workshops and educational exhibitions throughout the six-day event.
The 37th Lanzarote Craft Fair opens on Thursday, September 10th, at 5:30 PM. From September 11th to 15th, it will be open from 10:30 AM to 9:30 PM. Workshop registrations open on September 7th at 9:00 AM via the website artesaniálanzarote.com.
