Tenerife Celebrates European Artistic Crafts Days to Boost Local Economy and Heritage

Tenerife is celebrating local craftsmanship this week, highlighting it not just as a way to preserve heritage, but as a vital driver for economic growth and community connection. The island is participating in the European Artistic Crafts Days, which run from Tuesday, April 7, to Sunday, April 12, with events held across many different municipalities.

Coordinated by the Museum of Ibero-American Craftsmanship (MAIT) and the Island Craft Company, the program goes beyond simple exhibitions. During the official launch, Efraín Medina, the Minister of Employment and Education, stressed the importance of professionalizing the craft sector and encouraging younger generations to get involved. On April 10, the La Recova Art Center in Santa Cruz will host a ceremony to award 28 new professional accreditations. This event will also mark the launch of "Mida Lab," a creative laboratory featuring panel discussions and fast-paced presentations.

The week’s activities are designed to reach a wide audience. MAIT is hosting workshops for local schools on traditional skills like pottery, palm basketry, and percussion. Meanwhile, cultural events will take place in towns including La Orotava, Candelaria, Puerto de la Cruz, La Guancha, El Sauzal, Santa Úrsula, Güímar, La Laguna, Icod de los Vinos, Arona, and Adeje. These events aim to bridge the gap between historical trades and modern design.

This year’s program also includes significant cultural and academic highlights. The MAIT collection will now feature Palestinian tatreez embroidery, a technique recognized by UNESCO. Additionally, the event will showcase research by Isabel Somoza, the 2025 Tenerife Prize winner, who studied the traditional printing of wax ex-votos. Through these initiatives, the island aims to show that traditional crafts are not just relics of the past, but a modern, viable career path rooted in local identity and creativity.