The 44th Annual Craft Fair is being held at Plaza Las Américas until July 5, featuring around 130 artisans from across Puerto Rico. The event is dedicated to artisans Iris Torres Meléndez and Jorge W. Pollock, who have contributed to the preservation of Puerto Rican artisanal heritage.
The fair showcases handmade pieces, including ceramics, woodwork, textiles, masks, jewelry, and musical instruments, representing the knowledge, dedication, and effort of artisans who contribute to the economic development of their communities. Visitors can also participate in workshops, such as vejigante, mundillo, and woodcarving. The Institute of Puerto Rican Culture is presenting a special exhibition, 'Artesano de gran imaginación', featuring the work of artisan Carmelo Martell Luciano.
The exhibition includes traditional and creative interpretations of musical instruments like the triple, güiro, and cuatro. According to Edwin Tavárez, general manager of Plaza Las Américas, the fair has been a space where culture, entrepreneurship, and Puerto Rican talent converge for over four decades.