The president of the Cabildo of Lanzarote, Oswaldo Betancort, inaugurated the 36th Lanzarote Craft Fair yesterday afternoon in Mancha Blanca (Tinajo). This event, which runs until Monday 15th September, coinciding with the celebration of the Virgin of Los Dolores, brings together over a hundred artisans from across the Canary Islands, with San Antonio, Texas (USA), as the invited city.
Inauguration Ceremony
During the opening ceremony, the island leader was joined in speeches by the mayor of Tinajo, Jesús Machín; the deputy director of the Arts and Culture Department of San Antonio, Texas, Diana Hidalgo; and the councillor for Universities, Science and Innovation and Culture of the Canary Government, Migdalia Machín. Prior to the speeches, an audiovisual piece was simultaneously projected on screens around the venue, showcasing the Canary origins of San Antonio and its connections to Lanzarote.
A Highlight for the Canary Islands
Betancort emphasised that the Lanzarote Craft Fair is “a key event throughout the Canary Islands”, with an impressive attendance, surpassing 70,000 visitors last year, and aspiring to replicate that success in 2025. He noted that the fair complements the enticing programme of activities marking the patron saint’s festivities of Lanzarote, the Virgin of Los Dolores. “It is an opportunity to continue transforming the structural model of artisanal commerce and provide incentives for a sector that must ensure its generational transition, which is our responsibility,” he stated.
International Connections
The president also highlighted the international significance of the event, with San Antonio, Texas, as a guest. “The presence of their artisans is the result of a bond we have been strengthening,” he remarked, underscoring the importance of continuing to enhance institutional efforts to promote foreign trade from the islands. He added that “every sale made at this fair is a way to generate employment and preserve the identity of Lanzarote and La Graciosa.”
Inviting Participation
Mayor Jesús Machín encouraged mass participation in light of the countless creative works available at the venue, a space that improves with each edition. Both Machín and Betancort expressed gratitude for the presence of Chana Perera, the island president at the inception of the Lanzarote Craft Fair.
Expressions of Thanks
Diana Hidalgo, representing the delegation from San Antonio, Texas, thanked the institution for “the wonderful opportunity to showcase our artisans’ talent at an international level.” Meanwhile, Migdalia Machín, the councillor for the Canary Government, expressed appreciation for the artisan effort and emphasised the need to work collaboratively to preserve Canarian tradition and identity, “while always looking to the future, also supporting the existing avant-gardes in the sector.”
Strengthening Artisan Traditions
Regarding the fair, the councillor for Craftsmanship at the Cabildo, Aroa Revelo, stated that this edition “strengthens the commitment to traditional and contemporary craftsmanship, with trades ranging from ceramics and textiles to basketry, jewellery, glass and wood. Each piece we find at the stalls is unique and part of the identity of our island and our archipelago.”
Revelo further highlighted that the exhibition “features spaces adapted for all ages and needs, such as the Patio del Enyesque, a lactation area, an orange point and a space for traditional culture publications.”
Cultural Significance
In turn, councillor for Culture Jesús Machín Tavío pointed out that the fair “transcends mere exhibition and sale, becoming a significant cultural stage and space for coexistence.” He added that the programme includes concerts, talks, gastronomic tastings, demonstrations of traditional sports and games, and a tribute to the elders, who will visit Mancha Blanca on Thursday to pay homage to the Virgin of Los Dolores.
Details of the Event
The 36th Lanzarote Craft Fair will remain open until Monday 15th September in Mancha Blanca, once again showcasing the best of Canary craftsmanship’s tradition and innovation. This event transforms Lanzarote into the epicentre of popular culture within the archipelago. This year, the significant commercial and cultural occasion pays tribute to the ‘soletas,’ a traditional humble and durable footwear, “reflective of the character of the islanders,” commented Aroa Revelo.
