Gran Canaria, an Ocean of Crafts
The Crafts Fairs held next to Faro de Maspalomas (Maspalomas Lighthouse) in Spring and Summer show the depth of the Island’s Traditions.
The waves, the breeze and the sea currents draw spirals and all kinds of whimsical meandering shapes next to the dike and breakwater at the foot of Faro de Maspalomas (Maspalomas Lighthouse). Gran Canaria’s Nature has been and still is a constant source of inspiration for the creation of beauty, like a guiding light. Like the Lighthouse has been doing for over a century. For this reason, and as naturally as the waves break on the shore, it is hard to imagine a most suitable space for two must-go dates for all looking for in-depth knowledge of the Island’s traditions. These dates are Faro de Maspalomas (Maspalomas Lighthouse) Summer Crafts Fair and Faro de Maspalomas (Maspalomas Lighthouse) Southern Spring Crafts Fair. In both cases, the Atlantic Ocean is the best background to the displayed crafts.
At these fairs, you get acquainted to the crafts on a first-name basis. Because each piece displayed is a little piece of life and passion. They are not just objects. Rafael López, for example, has imagined and created spirals of fish that seem to be literally jumping from the ocean into his work. Lola Herrera captures the scents and textures of the world in her soap bars. Gerardo Maya’s childhood memories have transformed into little cars and wood mobiles, and the silver shine of Jesús García Medina’s Canarian knives seem to be designed to cut the distance between today and yesteryears.
They all have different names and surnames, but everyone taking park in the fairs have been awarded the craftmanship identification granted by the Fondo para la Etnografía y el Desarrollo de la Artesanía Canaria (FEDAC), independent body within Cabildo de Gran Canaria, in charge of the organization of the two crafts fairs held at the foot of Faro de Maspalomas (Maspalomas Lighthouse) sixty metres of height, an iconic building in the Island, named Property of Cultural Interest and Historical Site.
The official accreditation of the nearly sixty artisans that bring the fairs to life guarantees that the pieces are unique and of the highest quality, made by men and women following the ancient artisan methods that have survived over the years. To choose them as a decorative element for our own homes, as a souvenir or gift for our friends or family means taking with us a part of the landscape, the History, the tradition, the people and the way of life of Gran Canaria.
Another incentive is, of course, the enclave where the fairs are held, just where the Atlantic Ocean whispers in our ear, and where the Sun is the golden-clad host of your days on the Island. From above, the lantern of Faro de Maspalomas (Maspalomas Lighthouse) keeps the luminous sign that seems to remind us all that miracles happen every day, in an endless spiral of vitality and joy.
XVI Summer Crafts Fair Faro de Maspalomas
Where: Faro de Maspalomas Esplanade
When: From 11th to 20th August 2023 between 17.00 and 23.00 hours
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