The exhibition, which will be held from 4 to 8 July in the capital's port area, offers a unique exhibition of traditional trades, local products and folklore performances as part of the Lustrales Festivities.
The inauguration of the Fair included a tribute to the former Arts and Crafts Councillor Rosa Díaz.
The Cabildo de La Palma today inaugurated the 36th La Palma Island Crafts Fair, one of the most important events on the island's cultural and economic calendar, which this year is being held in the context of the Fiestas Lustrales de la Bajada de la Virgen. The fair will remain open until 8 July in the port area of Santa Cruz de La Palma.
This new edition brings together 126 craftsmen and craftswomen from all over the island and other parts of the archipelago, representing 47 traditional trades, together with 22 companies from the agri-food sector, who bring flavour, identity and added value to the fair. The fair can be visited from today, Thursday 4th July, from 17:00 to 21:00, and from 5th to 8th July from 11:00 to 21:00.
The Island Institution has made a shuttle bus available from the entrance to the quay, next to the cement silos, and at the fast food restaurant, to reach the marquee for those who wish to visit the Fair.
The president of the Cabildo Insular, Sergio Rodríguez, stressed that this fair "is a space where crafts and culture meet, generating a dialogue between the traditional and the contemporary. It is a recognition of the work of those who have kept our heritage alive in a changing global context".
The Arts and Crafts councillor, Pablo Díaz Cobiella, valued the variety and richness of the exhibition, stressing that "each stall represents a personal, family and collective history that deserves to be known and protected. The fair is also a dynamic tool for the sector, especially during an event such as the Bajada de la Virgen".
Sergio Rodríguez also highlighted the importance of the participating food companies and stated that "they represent a commitment to quality, sustainability and zero-kilometre products, with products that complement and enrich the visitor's experience".
In addition, this year the fair will include 18 children's workshops to introduce them to traditional crafts such as doll making, basket making and textile decoration, including a space dedicated to traditional bakery and confectionery, coordinated by the company Zulay.
The cultural programme includes a musical route through the municipalities of La Palma, with the participation of folk groups, parrandas and music schools that will perform on the main stage of the venue. Santa Cruz de La Palma opens the programme this afternoon, followed by Puntallana, kicking off five days of continuous cultural activity.
On the other hand, the Chamber of Commerce of La Palma will offer a personalised advice service for participating artisans, aimed at improving their professionalisation, visibility and commercialisation.
The opening ceremony, which was also attended by the mayor of Santa Cruz de La Palma, Asier Antona, also served to pay tribute to the former councillor for handicrafts of the Cabildo, Rosa Díaz.
Sergio Rodríguez dedicated a few words of "profound recognition to a person whose vision and dedication have marked a before and after in the future of craftsmanship on our beloved island", he said.
The fair has the collaboration of entities such as the General Directorate of Ports, the Port Authority, the Island Councils of Tenerife, Gran Canaria and La Gomera, the La Palma Biosphere Reserve, Sodepal, Indispal, and other institutions committed to the development and promotion of the Canarian craft sector.
