La 36ª Feria Insular de Artesanía de La Palma inaugura con más de 140 participantes y una intensa agenda cultural

The event, which takes place from July 4th to 8th at the capital port venue, offers a unique exhibition of traditional crafts, local products, and folk performances within the framework of the Lustrales Festivities.

The opening of the Fair paid tribute to the former Crafts Councilor Rosa Diaz.

The Cabildo de La Palma inaugurated today the 36th Insular Crafts Fair, one of the most relevant events in the cultural and economic calendar of the island, which this year is held in the context of the Lustrales Festivities of the Descent of the Virgin. The fair will remain open until July 8th at the port venue of Santa Cruz de La Palma.

This new edition brings together 126 craftsmen and craftswomen from all over the island and other parts of the Archipelago, representing 47 traditional crafts, along with 22 companies from the agri-food sector, who contribute flavor, identity, and added value to the exhibition. The fair can be visited from today, Thursday, July 4th, from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm, and from July 5th to 8th from 11:00 am to 9:00 pm.

The island institution has made available a shuttle bus for people who want to visit the fair from the entrance of the dock, next to the cement silos, and at the fast food restaurant, to reach the tent.

The President of the Insular Cabildo, Sergio Rodriguez, highlighted that this fair «is a space where crafts and culture come together, generating a dialogue between the traditional and the contemporary. It is a recognition of the work of those who have kept our heritage alive in a changing global context.»

The Crafts Councilor, Pablo Diaz Cobiella, valued the variety and richness of the exhibition offer, emphasizing that «each booth represents a personal, family, and collective story that deserves to be known and protected. The fair is also a tool for dynamizing the sector, especially during an event like the Descent of the Virgin.»

Sergio Rodriguez also emphasized the importance of the participating food companies and stated that «they represent a commitment to quality, sustainability, and zero-kilometer products, with elaborations that complement and enrich the visitor’s experience.»

Additionally, this year the fair includes 18 children’s workshops for initiation into traditional crafts such as doll making, basketry, or textile decoration, including a space dedicated to traditional bakery and pastry, coordinated by the Zulay company.

The cultural program includes a musical route through the municipalities of La Palma, with the participation of folk groups, bands, and music schools that will perform on the main stage of the venue. This afternoon Santa Cruz de La Palma opens the program, followed by Puntallana, kicking off five days of continuous cultural activity.

On the other hand, the Chamber of Commerce of La Palma will offer a personalized advisory service for participating craftsmen, aimed at improving their professionalization, visibility, and commercialization.

The inaugural event, in which the Mayor of Santa Cruz de La Palma, Asier Antona, also participated, also served to pay tribute to the former Crafts Councilor of the Cabildo, Rosa Diaz.

Sergio Rodriguez dedicated a few words of «deep recognition to a person whose vision and dedication have marked a before and after in the evolution of the crafts of our beloved island,» he said.

The fair has the collaboration of entities such as the General Directorate of Ports, the Port Authority, the Cabildos of Tenerife, Gran Canaria, and La Gomera, the Biosphere Reserve of La Palma, Sodepal, Indispal, and other institutions committed to the development and promotion of the Canarian craft sector.