Tenerife stands as a global hub for craftsmanship, showcased through two international congresses that position the island as the heart of numerous traditional trades – the catalogue of crafts has grown to 87. In June, Candelaria will be the backdrop for the pottery congress, while in October, La Laguna and Tegueste will host the Draft, embroidery, and lace event. The Cabildo, in collaboration with Tenerife’s craft agency, is diligently organising events that reinforce the island’s stature as a leader in the preservation and promotion of manual traditions. Tenerife proudly boasts its National Prize and orchestrates the only fair that connects three continents in the Canary Islands, known as the Tricontinental. This event serves as a conduit for understanding ancestral trades and techniques, many of which are recognised as Intangible Heritage of Humanity.
Pottery Centres
The International Pottery Congress will be hosted by the Mariana de Candelaria Villa, bringing together pottery centres from across the island and world experts in this ancient craft. Pottery, one of the oldest cultural expressions in Tenerife, thrives due to the skill of artisans who have preserved and evolved their techniques over centuries. The Congress will feature exhibitions, live demonstrations, and panel discussions focused on the evolution and future of this art form.
Trades
The pottery centres of Candelaria, La Guancha, Santiago del Teide, and San Miguel de Abona will be highlighted in a meeting that will showcase techniques from other nations practicing the same craft. Rosa Dávila, the president of the Cabildo, has already emphasised the importance of this appointment “to preserve, conserve, protect, and advance one of the world’s oldest trades, especially relevant in Tenerife.” Recently, the area’s advisor, Efraín Medina, met with Candelaria’s mayor, Mari Brito, to introduce the initiative, which has been warmly received, and both teams are now collaborating under the guidance of artisan trade historian, Milagros Amador.
Draft
Tenerife will host the International Congress of Draft, embroidery, lace, and the exclusive Roseta in October, a significant global event featuring countries with longstanding traditions in these textile arts. Many of these techniques have been exported from Tenerife, symbolising identity and cultural richness. Attendees can look forward to presentations, practical workshops, and exhibitions that will celebrate the intricacy and beauty of these crafts, alongside their influence on modern fashion and design. Efraín Medina has expressed his “immense gratitude” to the bodies within the World Heritage City, recognising it as the “Cradle of Draft in Tenerife.”
Impact
The influence of artisanal work in Tenerife has captured the interest of esteemed institutions, including the Madrid Suit Museum. Moreover, the Cabildo has received invitations to participate in prestigious events such as the Alancon Biennial in France, Pietrasanta in Italy, and Asunción in Paraguay, intended to showcase the island’s lace, acknowledged as one of the oldest documented techniques.
Fortza
Medina believes “these events will bolster the artisan sector while promoting cultural exchange and international recognition of the traditions and identity techniques that connect us.” He views them as a unique opportunity to honour the island’s artisanal heritage and ensure its continuation for future generations. He anticipates attendance exceeding 300 at both forums and concluded, “The team from the island’s craft agency and the Cabildo of Tenerife is dedicated to this cause far beyond any schedule because their passion for crafts is profound, and it is a privilege to be a part of it.”
