Honouring Traditional Crafts in Tacoronte
Arturo Hernández Torres began pruning vines in his father’s fields at the age of seven. Today, he meticulously tends to what many regard as the largest vine in the Canary Islands, which continues to produce bountiful harvests.
Nearby, Miguel Izquierdo Álvarez expertly calls his sheep, aware that they can sense danger, “and they’re smarter than many humans.” He started shepherding as a child, often barefoot due to a lack of money for shoes.
This experience mirrors that of Francisca Hernández, known locally as ‘Lola.’ As one of ten siblings, she helped with daily tasks and often suffered from hard, calloused feet from going without shoes.
Nieves Estévez claims there are no secrets to making bread, though she admits the craft has evolved. Meanwhile, Rosario Romero González, or ‘Charo,’ born in El Pris, emphasises the value of artisanal fishing—a skill deeply rooted in her heritage yet historically undervalued.
Alfonso Ferrer Llanos was drawn to printing despite expectations to pursue banking. In La Laguna, he met María de los Ángeles Tavío, and together they began a printing business in Tacoronte, which became a local landmark.
These individuals feature in the book Homenaje a los oficios tradicionales de Tacoronte, published by the Town Hall, which celebrates 21 men and women linked to the primary sector, recognised for their efforts to preserve traditions over the last three years.
Through their stories, this publication highlights an often-overlooked heritage “that may not always be documented but lives on in our hands, words, and memories,” says journalist Zenaido Hernández, the book’s author.
Other honourees include Luis Miguel Machado Martín and Carmen Nieves Francisco Machín, among others recognised by the Town Hall between 2023 and 2025. “They represent a generation that built the town with dedication and wisdom,” Hernández adds.
Stretching from Agua García to El Pris, these individuals dedicated years to agriculture, livestock, fishing, viticulture, and various artisan crafts, such as locksmithing and baking.
Hernández’s connection to Tacoronte began in the 1990s when he worked as an agricultural extension officer. He fostered initiatives like the Mercadillo del Agricultor, enabling farmers to sell directly to consumers, which became a cornerstone for farmer markets in Tenerife. He recalls, “It was just two of us, and we made a significant impact on the vineyard sector.”
They also launched wine weeks at the Alhóndiga de Tacoronte, promoting best practices and attracting national and international experts, paving the way for the revival of local agriculture.
Celebrating Tacoronte’s Heritage
Zenaido Hernández highlights Vicente Rodríguez Infante as “the most distinguished figure in recent decades,” recognising his significant contributions to the community and his unwavering dedication.
On 9 July, the book was launched by Mayor Sandra Izquierdo and Councilman Iván Hernández at the Casa de la Cultura, attended by honourees and locals eager to learn about this new collection.
During the launch, the mayor stated, “Communities that know and respect their history are also those best prepared for the future,” adding that traditional crafts have been crucial in shaping Tacoronte’s identity.
Today, that identity is not just captured in this book but reinforced by key institutions. The historic Alhóndiga and Mercadillo del Agricultor complement the Agricultural Training School and the Agricultural Biodiversity Conservation Centre (CCBAT), aimed at preserving Tenerife’s native crops. Nearby, the Canarian Institute of Agricultural Research (ICIA) supports further advancements. Hernández notes, “Tacoronte is a reference point for the agricultural sector.”
The professionalisation of this sector, alongside the memories chronicled in the book, establishes Tacoronte as the vibrant heart of primary industries on the island.
The stories of these 21 individuals serve as inspiration for younger generations embracing farming and traditional crafts, blending age-old love for the land with modern techniques and innovations. By preserving these memories, the Town Hall hopes to ensure these practices endure for years to come.
