Tenerife’s Eighth Tricontinental Craft Fair Draws 55,000 Visitors

The eighth Tricontinental Craft Fair has wrapped up at the Tenerife Trade Fair Center, once again proving its importance in keeping traditional crafts alive. Organizers reported that over 55,000 people attended the event, highlighting a strong public interest in global cultural traditions.

While bad weather on November 1st forced some schedule changes, the final day successfully made up for lost time. The closing day alone drew more than 10,000 visitors to enjoy the rescheduled workshops and musical performances. Efraín Medina, the Island Councilor for Employment, Education, and Youth, praised the effort, noting the Tenerife Island Council’s dedication to preserving artisanal techniques that are at risk of being lost.

Education was a key focus this year, blending international expertise with local skills. Visitors took part in a wide variety of workshops, including Macedonian filigree, Mexican basketry, traditional Canarian clothing, and fish-scale crafting led by Portuguese artisan Sofía Colejo. Masterclasses, such as one on creating "catrinas," further highlighted the event’s commitment to teaching these unique crafts.

The main stage was packed for the final performances, which featured Littus, La Parranda Chasnera, and a tribute to Venezuelan "gaitas" by the group Gaitas Pa’ Vos.

With Mexico as this year’s guest country, the fair has already begun planning for 2028, when Puerto Rico will take on the role of guest representative. By connecting the artisanal traditions of America, Africa, and Europe, the event continues to serve as both an economic boost and a vital way to protect intangible cultural heritage, as encouraged by UNESCO.