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These days, tourism is the greatest attraction of Lanzarote. Many visit the island to see the beautiful sites, but the locals also have things to show you. It is worth learning a little more about their traditions and culture. If you are interested, learn more about crafts in Lanzarote with this post and visiting the island.
Where to buy crafts in Lanzarote?
In many places on the island you can find traditional crafts, made in Lanzarote. There are shopping areas in the main towns on the island.
But, there are places dedicated to traditions and crafts, such as: the Costa Teguise Craft Market, the Haria Craft Market, the Teguise Market, Tinajo Market and a few more.
The Tiguese market is one of the most popular, and it may be your plan for Sunday morning, since it is the only day it is open. That same day, also in the morning, you will find the Agricultural Market and the Craft Market of Tinajo.
The Costa Teguise market works on Friday afternoons, and on Saturday mornings you can visit the Arrecife, Haría or Playa Blanca markets on the Playa Blanca Port.
The Teguise Market is located in the historic centre of Villa de Teguise, and is an open-air market.
There you can find typical island products, made by authentic masters of local crafts. There are vendors selling crafts, clothing, jewellery, wines, and cheeses. In addition to the products for sale, you can also enjoy activities and live music.
Do not hesitate to visit it and buy a special souvenir of your trip there. This is a walk that you can include in your excursions in Lanzarote.
On the island of volcanoes, a very common souvenir are olivine and lava jewellery. Imagine being able to take home or give to your friends and family a little piece of lava in the form of bracelets or necklaces!
You can find this type of jewellery in the commercial areas of the island, or in the markets and street markets that we have told you about.
Learn more about crafts in Lanzarote
When you visit the island of volcanoes, in addition to the beaches, you can get closer to the culture of the place, getting to know its crafts up close. It is a plan that you can do on guided excursions or with your rented vehicle.
In Lanzarote, you will find artisans who continue with the traditions of the place, which have their origins hundreds of years ago.
The most used materials on the island to make handicrafts are clay, palm leaves and other vegetable fibres. With the fired clay, the artisans create ceramic pieces, using traditional techniques. Ovens are currently used to cook the clay, but in the past it was done directly on fire.
When talking about pottery in Lanzarote, we must mention a tradition called “novios del Mojón”. These are the figures of a man and a woman made of clay, which in the past were exchanged by the engaged couple for marriage.
In the past, objects were made for the use of the island’s inhabitants. Currently, those who acquire these pieces use them as decoration elements or to have a souvenir of their visit to Lanzarote.
With the palms, items such as baskets and half baskets are made, among others. The artisans also use the heart of the palm, which is obtained from the inside of the palm trees, and they also use it to weave hats, mats, and bags.
In Lanzarote, we can also find traditional textiles such as lace, embroidery, crochet, and openwork.
Tablecloths and centrepieces made with these embroidery and weaving techniques are popular. Embroidery, crochet, lace, and openwork are also used to decorate shirts and blouses.
Those who carry out these jobs are the women of the island. Many use a warp, which is a set of parallel threads placed on the loom used to form the fabrics.
The House-Museum of the farmer
Located in the San Bartolomé municipality, in the geographical centre of Lanzarote, is the House-museum of the farmer.
It is a place that brings together traditional Lanzarote food, architecture, and crafts. And that it was founded to honour the cultural heritage of Lanzarote and the farmers of the island.
You will find a restaurant that offers a menu made with products from the island. And you can also taste cheeses made by hand.
The architecture is represented by monuments such as fertility, known as the Monument to the Peasant.
And to enjoy crafts, you will find the Plaza de los Artesanos. A central courtyard, around which are located small white houses with touches of green painted wood, which are the space used by artisans to do their work.
It is a place where you can be in direct contact with local artisans, and you can even do small workshops to learn more about Lanzarote crafts.
By walking through the artisans’ laboratories, you will see and learn (if you do the workshop) the process to elaborate of ceramic pieces, textiles, hats, natural dyes. And even mojo, which is a spicy sauce used in many dishes of the island.
If you travel with children to Lanzarote, the workshops are suitable for them. Participating will be a very entertaining activity for the little ones. You can share this activity with them, or relax with a delicious coffee while they get a little more involved in that world of culture and traditions.
In addition, from the walk through the square, you can buy items made by the artisans of the place
The entrance to the House-Museum is free, but if you decide to take a workshop with the artisans, you will have to pay a few euros.
When you learn more about the crafts in Lanzarote, you realise how valuable it is to preserve the traditions and culture of such an emblematic place as the island of Lanzarote. Remember to include it on your next visit in your travel itinerary.
This post is also available in: Español (Spanish)