After the definitive cancelation of one of the events in charge of promoting and spreading the folklore and the culture of Puerto Rico, the authorities of the Island occurred to the task of creating a similar forum not to break with the tradition, nor with the income of so many people in this precise season, but also with the capacity of entertaining locals and tourist from all over the world. Discover more about the new Puerto Rico Crafts Fair.

A new tradition

SAN JUAN - "The talent of the Puerto Rican craftsmen is valuable, because of their artistic quality and what it means to be a cultural exponent of our town; simultaneously it's a source of economic resources extremely important for the well-being of the families who compose this sector" said Luis G. Fortuño, Governor of Puerto Rico during the launch of the new Crafts Fair of the Island.

A couple of months ago it was announced that the traditional Bacardi Crafts Fair would not be carried out anymore beginning this year. Immediately, the Governor affirmed that he would do everything necessary to rescue what was the main sustenance forum and source for the craftsmen for 33 consecutive years.

The first edition of this new platform of sale, exhibition and amusement was celebrated on December 12 and 13 at the Luis Muñoz Rivera Park and also simultaneously at the Third Millennium Park of the San Juan Municipality, starting at 9:00 AM and finalizing at 9:00 on Saturday and 7:00 PM on Sunday, representing an incredible hit.

The entrance was totally free for all the attendances giving the opportunity not only to buy amazing and very unique crafts and native pieces of art, but also to enjoy some of the most delicious and traditional dishes of the Island and a series of exclusive music performances in two huge stages with: El Gran Combo, Plenéalo, the Humacao's Rondalla and Grupo Manía.

The initiative became reality thanks to the commitment and persistence of the Puerto Rico Tourism Company, The Company of Industrial Promotion, the Puerto Rican Institute of Culture and the San Juan Municipality.

"The Bacardi Fair represented almost six months of important economic income for some families, reason why it's very important for us to rescue this forum to continue benefiting from our traditions and our people, the preservation of our culture and the amusement of our families and foreign guests", emphasized Fortuño.

For this first fair the organizers reunite more than four hundred artisans, native artists and craftsmen, creating and giving employment to more than one thousand people during those days.

"This is a very special time; we hope that at the height of the high season our visitors enjoy the folkloric and cultural spectacle that will constitute this fair. The event is a sample of our cultural inheritance and it's another way people know about our destiny and have an experience that is much more than sun and beaches, the sense of Puerto Rico", added López.

For more information about the next year fair call 1 800 866 7827.