Bacardi Artisan Fair

[Ecuajey]

Bacardi Artisan Fair

November 24, 2002
Copyright © 2002 PUERTORICOWOW.
All rights reserved.


Puerto Rico’s largest handicraft event, the Bacardi Corporation Artisan Fair, will be held the Sundays of Dec. 1 & 8 at the legendary Bacardi Rum Plant in the island’s north coast town of Cataño. This year marks the 27th anniversary of the annual crafts show.

What started out in 1976 as a simple means to promote Puerto Rican artisanship has transformed into one of the most anticipated cultural family festivals. Celebrated annually on the first and second Sundays of December, the fair has evolved from its original function to include troubadour competitions, folklore music, pop music concerts, a plethora of food and beverage kiosks and, of course, an exhibition of quality crafts made by Puerto Rican hands. Additionally, the fair features a special "Plaza de niños," with inflatable jumpers, amusement rides, clowns, and special activities just for tots.

Since its inception, more than 2 million people have visited the Bacardi Artisan Fair’s 11-acre site, which hosts approximately 145 artisans on day of the event. Art and artisanship have been part of the Bacardi legacy since 1862 when founder Facundo bought the first distillery. He carefully handcrafted his light and aged rum into an artistic expression that has survived to this day.

The troubadour competition was initiated in 1984, and includes participation of increasingly younger singers. In 1991 and 1993, the winners of the competition were 18-years-old, the minimum age to participate. In 1995, 19-year-old Victoria Sanabria was the first female to take home the title.

The Bacardi Artisan Fair also features spectacular performances by well-known artists. Danny Rivera, Marc Anthony, Celia Cruz, and Cheo Feliciano are just a few of the famous artists who have participated and shown their support for Puerto Rican arts and crafts over the years. For this edition, Bacardi features musical performances by Los Rabanes, Melina León, Plenéalo, and others.

Bacardi recognizes that handicrafts always have been key elements in the economic development of all cultures and civilizations. Take part in this grand event and, while you’re there, take home a piece of Puerto Rican artisanship. The fair is free and open to the public. To get to Bacardi, take PR-22 toward Bayamón (west). Exit north at Cataño PR-165 and make a right turn at the second traffic light. For more information, call (787) 788-1500.

Schedule of musical performances

Sunday, Dec. 1

9:00 a.m.-10:00 a.m. Pleneros & parade of costumes
10:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. Final troubadour competition
11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Plenéalo
12:30 p.m. -2:00 p.m. Domingo Quiñones
2:00 p.m.-3:30 p.m. Los Rabanes
3:30 p.m.-5:00 p.m. Giselle

Sunday, Dec. 8

9:00 a.m.-10:00 a.m. Pleneros & parade of costumes
10:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. Bacardi Associates Choir
11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Caobaná
12:30 p.m.-2:00 p.m. Carolina
2:00 p.m.-3:30 p.m. Melina León
3:30 p.m.-5:00 p.m. Jerry Rivera