The 37th Lanzarote Craft Fair took place on Friday in Mancha Blanca, featuring the presentation of the second Lanzarote Craft Awards and the launch of the book La tunera y sus productos (The Tuna Plant and Its Products). The events focused on the preservation and promotion of the island’s cultural heritage, particularly the cultivation of cochineal.
The awards highlighted the contributions of individuals and groups dedicated to safeguarding and sharing traditional knowledge. The Lifetime Achievement Award went to the Milana Association for its two decades of work on cochineal and the tuna plant. Chana Perera was also acknowledged for her role in the early days of the Craft Fair and her efforts to educate younger generations about the cochineal culture.
Antonio Emilio Betancort was recognised for his commitment to keeping the roseta tradition alive through courses, workshops, and demonstrations. A special mention was awarded to Joaquín Reyes Betancort from Máguez for preserving and teaching traditional pottery techniques.
Additionally, the group Los del Gofio Arráez & Morales—comprised of Tomás Morales, Ángel Arráez, José Morales, and Cynthia Arráez—was honoured for 25 years of participation in the fair and their efforts to promote gofio within Canary Islands culture. Aurelio Pérez received the award for Best Stand Decoration in the stone masonry category.
Following the awards, La tunera y sus productos was introduced, published by the Lanzarote and La Graciosa Publication Service. The book explores the historical, social, economic, and cultural significance of cochineal in the Canary Islands, particularly in Guatiza and Mala. It details the processes of breeding, scraping, and drying cochineal, highlighting the roles of women and rural families in preserving and passing on these practices.
This research also recalls the economic importance of cochineal production in the 19th century when Lanzarote’s output was tied to international markets. The book will be available for purchase during the fair at the Lanzarote and La Graciosa Publication stand.
