Date: July 20, 2011
You are invited to visit Castillo San Felipe del Morro to enjoy free of charge one of the premier artisan fairs on the island. San Juan National Historic Site will once again host the Artisan Fair on the grounds of El Morro. This year's fair will be held on Saturday, July 23 and Sunday, July 24, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Over 150 artisans from the island are expected to participate.
A program featuring live demonstrations and musical performances will give visitors an excellent opportunity to enjoy local culture and purchase some of the high quality crafts for sale. National Park Service staff will also be providing information to the public about the historic site.
"We are very pleased to be working with the Municipality of San Juan again this year in hosting this event at Castillo San Felipe del Morro. The fair which was first held in 2005 was developed by park staff to share local culture with visitors to the site, while giving our local artisans a great venue to sell their crafts. The fair has continued to grow each year, as it has also become a favorite of the artisans. I encourage you to come out to Castillo San Felipe del Morro and enjoy this year's activity" said park Superintendent Walter J. Chavez. In recognition of the artisan's craftsmanship, the superintendent will grant selected artisans with the following awards: Environmental Choice, Superintendent's Choice, Best Educational Message and Best Demonstration.
For its part, the Mayor of San Juan, Jorge Santini, called to continue supporting the Puerto Rican crafts and developing new spaces for the its sale. "Ten years ago, when I arrived at the municipality, artisans were limited in spaces to offer their products. Through the Department for the Economic Development of the Capital and the Department of Municipal Culture, we have identified, designed and developed various spaces and activities that allow our artisans to exhibit their art continuously," he said.
Santini also stressed that during his Administration the sale of handicrafts has expanded to the Plaza de Colón and Arturo Somohano, gaining an 80% increase. "The Artisan Fair is the summit event of this sector which exalts through sculptures, paintings, jewellery, textiles and other techniques, the history and culture of Puerto Rico," assured the Mayor while he congratulated the National Park Service for promoting local art.
For more information, please call 787/729-6777.
San Juan National Historic Site is comprised of Castillo San Felipe del Morro, Castillo San Cristóbal, Fort San Juan de La Cruz (El Cañuelo), the San Juan Gate, and most of the City Wall. The fortifications are open every day from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. In addition, San Cristóbal is open to 7:00 pm on Tuesdays where special programs are held in the main plaza from 6:00 to 7:00pm. Admission to San Juan NHS is $3.00 per fort for adults, 15 and under is free.
