Canarian Artisans Showcase Traditional Volcanic Earth Carpets at Seoul Infiorata Festival

The international profile of Canarian heritage reached a new milestone recently when the Artearena collective participated in the 2026 International Infiorata Festival in Seoul. Three master carpet makers from La Orotava introduced the traditional technique of creating volcanic earth carpets to Asia for the first time.

Organized by Infiorata Korea, the event allowed the Spanish team to showcase their unique methods, which rely on natural materials and high technical precision. The artisans from Tenerife spent a day creating an ephemeral piece themed around childhood and generational legacy. Beyond the artwork itself, the group hosted presentations to explain the cultural significance of their craft, which typically uses earth from Teide National Park. Due to travel logistics, they used dyed sands of a similar texture for the Seoul project.

This event highlighted how traditional crafts can serve as a powerful tool for cultural diplomacy. While these carpets are traditionally created for Corpus Christi in La Orotava, the team’s success in a busy urban setting like Seoul—alongside representatives from Japan, China, Malta, and South Korea—proves the versatility of this art form.

The experience also provided a valuable opportunity to exchange techniques with other international delegations, reflecting a growing global interest in preserving ephemeral arts. Led by Domingo Expósito, the Artearena team successfully condensed decades of expertise into a fast-paced format. Their final design, which featured geometric patterns and symbols of knowledge, was well-received by the South Korean public, paving the way for future international collaborations that promote Spanish craftsmanship on the world stage.