Master Carpet Maker Ezequiel de León Retires, Casting Doubt on Future of La Orotava Tradition

Ezequiel de León, a central figure in the tradition of La Orotava’s Corpus Christi sand carpets, has retired early, marking the end of an era for this unique Canary Islands art form. As reported by El Día, the artist decided to step down a year ahead of schedule, citing exhaustion caused by administrative issues and internal tensions at the Perdigón Municipal School of Art.

De León’s departure highlights a long-standing institutional problem dating back to 1996. Although he was hired as a master carpet maker—a specialized role intended to pass down his craft—he spent years teaching general drawing and painting instead. He believes that outside interests have hindered the creation of a proper school for the craft, leaving the future of this tradition uncertain.

Throughout his career, which he inherited from his father, De León was known for his technical innovation. He introduced the use of strainers to process volcanic earth from Mount Teide, replacing inefficient traditional sieves. Since 1997, he led the creation of the massive tapestry in the Town Hall square, producing complex works that ranged from recreations of masterpieces by Velázquez and Michelangelo to his famous 2019 design, which used perspective to create a striking visual effect.

De León feels his departure has been abrupt and that the institution failed to support the international prestige of his work. Despite dedicating up to 55 hours a week to the annual carpet, he believes official recognition never matched the strong public support he received over the last three decades.

His decision to retire, made to protect his own well-being, exposes how fragile traditional arts become when they are forced into rigid administrative structures. His absence from the square this year is not just a loss for the festival; it serves as a warning that without a proper way to teach the next generation, this specialized knowledge risks being lost forever.