Cristina Valido, the Coalition Canaria–Primero Canarias candidate for the Congress of Deputies representing Santa Cruz de Tenerife, has emphasised the need for specific measures from the Spanish government to help Canarian artisans and creators promote their work beyond the islands and compete equally with their counterparts on the mainland.
Valido made these remarks during a meeting with representatives from traditional clothing, craftsmanship, and Canarian folklore, which also included Senate candidates for Tenerife, Alfonso Cabello and Patricia León. The discussions focused on the challenges faced by those working to preserve and disseminate the unique identity of the Canary Islands.
The nationalist candidate highlighted the importance of supporting those who keep Canarian traditions alive and ensure their transmission to future generations while respecting their authenticity. “Today we analysed with the sector of traditional clothing, craftsmanship, and those who care for our traditions the difficulties that creators face in all areas,” she stated.
Valido explained that one of the main objectives is to leverage the tools provided by the Economic and Fiscal Regime (REF) and the recognition of the Canary Islands as an outermost region to facilitate the access of cultural creations and products from the islands to other markets. “We need to address what measures, stemming from our own Economic and Fiscal Regime and our status as an outermost region, we can propose to the Spanish state to ensure that their works and jobs can reach outside, be known elsewhere, and be promoted abroad without incurring costs significantly higher than those of other cultural expressions,” she asserted.
Senate candidate Alfonso Cabello stressed that the industry linked to Canarian fashion, craftsmanship, and clothing requires specific treatment to offset the costs associated with distance and to compete in national and European markets. “The industry related to clothing, fashion, and craftsmanship from the Canary Islands needs to overcome distance and compete on equal terms with other cultural expressions and industries,” he said.
Cabello argued that the REF should also support artisans and the productive fabric linked to these activities, both through investment incentives and measures to compensate for transportation costs. He emphasised the importance of facilitating not only the arrival of materials to the islands but also the export of products made in the Canary Islands to other markets, thereby enhancing growth opportunities for businesses and professionals in the sector.
The nationalist candidate also praised the development that Canarian fashion has experienced in recent years and the opportunities Tenerife offers to establish a competitive industry beyond the archipelago.
During the meeting, the need to strengthen financial support for folklore groups and artisan collectives was also discussed, particularly to assist in the acquisition and repair of musical instruments and the creation of traditional clothing while respecting historical accuracy. Additionally, the importance of continuing to promote the study, conservation, and dissemination of traditional Canarian dress was highlighted, along with the work carried out by the Cabildo of Tenerife and the Sectorial Council of Traditional Clothing in this area.
Another topic addressed was the generational shift and the need to bring folklore and traditional crafts closer to younger people, encouraging their presence in educational centres and supporting those who keep alive artisanal activities such as instrument making, weaving, lace-making, and embroidery.
Coalition Canaria–Primero Canarias reaffirmed its commitment to continue working alongside cultural and artisan collectives to protect the identity of the Canary Islands and ensure that the preservation of traditions is accompanied by opportunities for those who dedicate their professional activities to keeping them alive.
