Category: Activities

A visit to the Crafts Fair of La Palma

Well, yes, we've come up with a very Spanglish title. Sorry. Let's make a brief clarification of the expression cool according to our criteria, of course. Don't Google it because it's sure to say something different:

• "Cool": That fresh, natural and relaxed style that makes something or someone special, interesting and attractive to us.

When we use the common term and definition of "craftsmanship" we all think of the technique of making objects and products by hand, without the use of machinery, and according to traditional methods. And the first thing that comes to mind is the image of the typical old things from the village house. Baskets, hats, water jugs, pots, bottles, table linen... All practical, marvellous, precious objects with a lot of merit and work. Nobody doubts it. That still exists. And it is something we love. No mass-produced piece that you find at Zara Home or Aliexpress, no matter how much it is on sale, replaces the value of a handmade or exclusive piece that you fall in love with at a flea market. Never!

But let's go beyond the image of traditional tools and accessories found in craft stalls. Don't stay there, stuck in the past. Craftsmanship is now that and much more. For example, it is using traditional techniques to make original, trendy pieces.

The handmade object satisfies a need no less imperative than thirst and hunger: the need to take pleasure in the things we see and touch, whatever their daily uses.

OCTAVIO PAZ

Yesterday, as we had a few hours to spare while we were waiting for one of our guests to arrive, we decided to visit the ISLAND HANDICRAFTS FAIR, which is being held this year in the municipality of El Paso. Our mission was to hang out, browse around, buy something_if it was within our monthly budget_ and say hello to our friend Saray who is participating as a craftswoman in the fair with her brand Arte Awara. Objective achieved. We didn't have enough time to stop a bit more at each stand, but anyway, the time we had at our disposal gave us enough time to stroll among the stalls, say hello to some acquaintances and make a couple of purchases: some anklets from Arte Awara and that beautiful red bracelet you see in the pictures, creation of Sara Noemí Giardino.

I confess that I was left with the desire to take that white top made of macramé so divine, some of Saray's colourful chokers, some pendants made of pieces of ideal cutlery, some XL size baskets among which I couldn't decide which one to choose, and many more things... But anyway, everything can't be, damn it!

Don't tell us that these accessories aren't worthy of any fashion magazine, or to be worn at the best parties or summer festivals wherever you go, because everything is MADE IN LA PALMA! The work and art of the skilled hands of our marvellous and dedicated artisans.

To finish off the afternoon, we made the most of the time and took the time to have a glass of wine from La Isla. Because, yes, the fair also has a gastro area where you can taste and buy delicious pastries and gastronomy from La Palma or refresh yourself with a craft beer, a rum or a good wine from La Palma.

All these pieces, both traditional and avant-garde, can be found this weekend at the FERIA INSULAR DE ARTESANÍA, in the municipality of El Paso. But don't worry, if they are not here this weekend, most of these creations are available in the markets and street markets that are held every weekend in many municipalities of the island (Puntallana, Puntagorda, El Paso, Los Llanos de Aridane, Tazacorte, Villa de Mazo, Barlovento, Breña Alta, Santa Cruz de La Palma...) and in other craft sales points (stay tuned, we will be discovering many of them from now on).

The 33rd Feria Insular de Artesanía features an extensive programme of performances and activities, and will be open to the public at the El Paso Football Stadium until next 𝟭𝟱 𝗱𝗲 𝗮𝗴𝗼𝘀𝘁𝗼, 𝗱𝗲 𝟭𝟭𝟭:𝟬𝟬 𝗮 𝟮𝟭:𝟬𝟬 𝗵𝗼𝗿𝗮𝘀.