Under the title Aires de Portugal, a magnificent overture inaugurated yesterday the seventh edition of the Tricontinental Crafts Fair, which this year celebrated Portuguese culture. The event, directed by Juan Carlos Armas, took place at a Tenerife Fairground, adorned with decoration specifically crafted for the occasion by Santi Castro, evoking the patterns of Portuguese mosaics. The musical component was provided by the band Las Candelas from Candelaria, who delivered a performance featuring unique musical arrangements for the affair, alongside the special participation of José Félix Álvarez, who presented several fados.
The overture unfolded in three segments, commencing with a video showcasing the history, traditions, and culture of Portugal, which was followed by the songs performed by José Félix Álvarez and culminated in a portrayal of Portuguese fashion augmented by dance performances. The climax of the evening was a surprise display, set to the rhythms of a batucada and adorned with vibrant streamers, featuring the costume that earned the title of Queen of the Santa Cruz Carnival in 2023, designed by Santi Castro with a Lisbon theme.
The event saw substantial attendance from numerous representatives of the various Canary Islands administrations, as well as the consul of Portugal, Vicente Álvarez, among other dignitaries. Rosa Dávila, the president of the Cabildo, emphasised that this event “positions us among the most significant fairs globally in the field of craftsmanship,” commending the “extraordinary” efforts made by Efraín Medina, Minister of Employment and Education, in facilitating the organisation. “Being an artisan is a form of cultural resilience in the face of a globalised world,” he remarked.
Similarly, the mayor of Santa Cruz, José Manuel Bermúdez, underscored the “close and productive relationship” between the Canary Islands and Portugal, “evidenced by the numerous words of Portuguese origin integrated into our Canarian dialect.” Meanwhile, the vice-counselor of the Presidency of the regional Government, Alfonso Cabello, stressed that “if the tricontinental role of the Canary Islands ever had relevance, it is now, particularly as our proximity to Africa is so pronounced, and we must endeavour to transform it into an opportunity rather than merely a humanitarian crisis; “We should strive for the Canary Islands to become a meeting point for people.” Efraín Medina also acknowledged the collaborative efforts with the Fairgrounds and forecasted that “we are bound to have an exciting fair of exceptional quality.”
The fair is open for free attendance until November 3 at the Tenerife Fairgrounds, specifically on October 28, 29, and 30 from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.; on November 1, the hours will be extended until 11:00 p.m., and on other days, it will be available from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. This event features participation from nearly 250 artisans representing America, Africa, and Europe, along with artisans from the Canary Islands, showcasing a diverse array of techniques and products, from embroidery to jewellery, basketry, ceramics, pottery, wood turning, doll creation, and enamel work, among many other crafts.
Forty artisans have travelled from Portugal, hailing from regions such as Aveiro, Oporto, Coimbra, Óbidos, Lisbon, Algarve, and Felgueiras, among others. From Viana do Castelo, María Concepción Pimenta, who at 74 years old has been professionally embroidering for 30 years, although she first picked up a needle at the age of seven, has established her embroidery house in the city centre, employing several seamstresses who craft tablecloths, textiles, traditional outfits, and even wedding gowns.
The fair also boasts a gastronomic section, featuring four food trucks, alongside a range of complementary activities, including contests, workshops, and musical performances.
