Artesanía or Puerto Rican Arts and Crafts are a source of pride for all Puerto Ricans. They’re rooted in history and traditions that have been practiced for generations. The 63rd Barranquitas Arts and Crafts Fair or Feria de Artesanía de Barranquitas is one of the largest and oldest festivals on the island that honor these traditions.
What to expect
From July 19th to the 21st the town of Barranquitas will host 200 of the best artisans on the Island during the Arts and Crafts Fair. As with all festivals, music and food will play an important part of the celebrations. Here you can delight your ears to authentic Puerto Rican musical traditions such as Plena, Trio music and even a singing competition. (Trovadores or troubadours that improvise lyrics following a set verse structure).
The arts and crafts tradition
Most of the handicrafts on display have their origins in a particular tradition or need. Hand woven hammocks can be traced back to the Taíno Indians. Authentic weavers even use the vine and preparation techniques that the original inhabitants employed. Santos de Palo or “carved stick saints” were used in remote mountain households where it was very difficult to get to the town church on Sundays so most households had an “altar” with their carvings.
You’ll also find elaborately painted masks used in traditional celebrations in Ponce (papier maché) and Loíza (coconut husks with horns). These celebrations are a mix of European and African traditions and are another strong cultural expression in Puerto Rico. Weavings, carvings, paintings and leather work are the main offerings. In order to be considered a certified artisan your product has to be the result of the transformation of a natural material such as wood, seeds, clay, etc.
How to get there
Barranquitas is a small mountain town in the center of the Island. It’s about an hour and a half drive on Route 5. A lot of people go to the Barranquitas Arts and Crafts Fair. The mountain roads are narrow so you can expect a bit of delays. Don’t despair, the drive is beautiful and there’s plenty of small restaurants along the way to stop and enjoy a cool drink and the view.
