The Canary Islands celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Pinolere Craft Fair: 180 artisans, workshops, and a tribute to traditions
In Pinolere, in the Canary Islands, the 40th anniversary of the Craft Fair is being celebrated, where 180 artisans are showcasing their work, conducting workshops, and discussing the future of the industry.
"Incredible, unique, a true marvel!" – that's how the mayor of La Orotava, Francisco Linares, described the Pinolere Craft Fair. And for good reason! The fair has celebrated 40 years, survived economic crises, a pandemic, and other difficulties, and has become an important event for all the Canary Islands.
This year, 180 artisans from all corners of the islands have gathered here to showcase their work. Until Sunday, you can expect not only crafts but also workshops, meetings, exhibitions, tastings, concerts, and folk performances.
At the opening, Mayor Linares urged: "Let these 40 years be a stimulus for reflecting on the future of crafts. Authorities, organizations, and the artisans themselves must unite to create a common development plan for the coming years and ensure the transfer of experience to the younger generation." After all, generational change is one of the main problems facing this sector.
They will also discuss how to better organize such events in the future. Should they continue in the same vein as before? This was discussed by the president of the Pinolere Cultural Association, Jesús García, a few months ago.
The mayor believes that the success of the fair is the result of three factors: the initiative of a group of enthusiasts, the support of the local association, and assistance from the city council and other organizations. "In difficult times, we have always been helped by the Cabildo (local government), some more, some less. But this year we received the most support in history – 40,000 euros," he shared. The mayor especially highlighted the role of Councilor Efraín Medina, who believed in the project from the very beginning.
Island President Rosa Dávila also emphasized the importance of traditions: "Traditions are not something frozen; they change, are renewed, and are passed down from generation to generation. Therefore, today we honor the young people who have chosen a profession that requires patience, creativity, and love for our culture. They are the guarantee that Canarian crafts will have a future, and we need to support them."
Narvay Quintero, Councilor for Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries, and Food Sovereignty, emphasized the connection between crafts and agriculture. He cited the example of master craftsman Juan Ramírez, who makes products from reeds and bulrushes. His portrait was even painted on a wall in Pinolere to honor all the artisans of the Canary Islands. Juan started by making tools for his grandfather.
At the opening of the fair, the Cho Feriantes 2025 awards were presented to Genoveva González, Cabildo de Tenerife, and Gráficas Echeyde. Pedro Villar Morales (posthumously) was also recognized for his contribution to the creation of floral candelabras in La Orotava.
Particularly moving was the speech by José Luis de León Torres, author of the first fair poster in 1986. He spoke about the importance of crafts for the development of motor skills and the prevention of brain diseases.
Before the opening of the fair, the authorities unveiled a mural dedicated to the artisans of the Canary Islands. It depicts Juan Ramírez Pérez, a master craftsman of reeds and bulrushes.
In 2006, Juan won first prize at the Pinolere International Basketry Competition, which included artisans from 32 countries. The mayor of the city in Gran Canaria, Francisco García López, was present at the event.
The fair in the Pinolere Ethnographic Park will be open for three days from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. As every year, the fair can be reached by a free bus that will depart every hour from the center of La Orotava (from Sor Soledad Cobian Avenue). A ticket to the fair must be purchased at the bus departure point.