Yaiza is displaying around 20 handmade pieces created by students from its traditional empleita workshops, highlighting efforts to preserve Lanzarote’s craft heritage.
Yaiza is showcasing the work of its empleita workshop students at the 37th Mancha Blanca Craft Fair, with around 20 products on display.
The collection includes hats, baskets, cheese baskets, trivets and mats, all made entirely by hand by students taking part in empleita workshops. The initiative forms part of the municipality’s commitment to preserving traditional craft techniques that risk disappearing without support and encouraging new generations to learn, promote and continue the craft.
The display reflects both Lanzarote’s traditions and the dedication of Yaiza residents, who devote time outside their daily routines to learn and practise the technique under the guidance of empleita artisan Yolanda Torres.
Recognition for local artisans
Yaiza Ayuntamiento also used the event to highlight the value of traditional craftsmanship, noting that each handmade piece can require days or even weeks of work.
Among those representing the municipality at this year’s fair are two well-known Yaiza artisans, Tino Alemán and Pancho Ortiz, who each have their own stand at the event.
Tino Alemán, an Honorary Citizen of Yaiza, has worked as a ceramic artist for 40 years and has taken part in every edition of the Mancha Blanca Craft Fair. Pancho Ortiz is known for producing barrels, bottle racks, baskets, stills, lamps, clocks and furniture, as well as for his nativity scene creations, for which he is widely recognised in Yaiza.
The 37th Craft Fair continues until tomorrow, 15th September.
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