Expoartesanías, Colombia’s most important arts and crafts fair, is set to dazzle visitors with edition 33, and scheduled to take place from December 7 to 20 at the Corferias exhibition grounds in Bogotá. This year promises to be particularly special as the city of Pasto joins as the guest city of honor, showcasing the vibrant cultural traditions of the region. Organized through a collaborative effort between Corferias and Artesanías de Colombia, Expoartesanías 2023 will feature over 800 exhibitors from all 32 departments of the country, bringing together a diverse array of crafts and artisanal expressions.
One of the standout features of this edition is the inauguration of the “Popular Own Economies” pavilion, providing a platform for 100 new artisan talents in training to showcase their ancestral creations. Adriana Mejía, the general manager of Artesanías de Colombia, expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “For the first time, Expoartesanías will be the stage for 100 new artisan talents in training to participate in a fair and exhibit their products loaded with ancestry.”
The fair is expected to attract a wide range of participants, including representatives from government organizations, private entities, and NGOs, all contributing to the celebration of Colombia’s rich cultural tapestry. “Hand in hand with Artesanías de Colombia, we have designed a version that exalts the great work of the country’s artisans. In this 33rd edition, the protagonists will be the hands and creativity of those who, generation after generation, show us the cultural richness we have in the country,” remarked Andrés López Valderrama, executive president of Corferias.
Expoartesanías 2023 promises a diverse cultural agenda, with the highlight being the celebration of the Carnival of Blacks and Whites. This festival, paying homage to Colombia’s ethnic diversity, will feature parades filled with color, music, and traditional dances, providing a unique opportunity for visitors to immerse themselves in the country’s rich traditions.
In addition to the cultural festivities, the fair will offer entertainment for visitors of all ages, including circus performances, representative dances from various regions, and live music. La 33 and Andrea Echeverry, two prominent figures in Colombian music, will grace the stage, providing attendees with a musical experience that spans genres from salsa to rock.
Laura Silva, project manager of Expoartesanías from Corferias, called on Colombians and international visitors to enjoy an event that has become a fixture of the holiday season, stating, that attendees “will discover the crafts that exalt the work and talent of our artisans, who will come from all regions to exhibit products and items made in wood, ceramics, textiles, leather goods, jewelry, and much more. This, while enjoying a fair full of musical experiences, artistic displays, and iconic gastronomy from our country.”
Adriana Mejía emphasizes the global impact of Expoartesanías, describing it as “a cultural movement that extends around the world, weaving textures, colors, flavors, sounds, and ancestral and traditional knowledge.” She encouraged both national and foreign tourists to support artisans by purchasing their crafts, contributing to the dignification of the lives of the artisans, their communities, and their territories.
With a comprehensive schedule, affordable ticket prices, and a vibrant cultural atmosphere, Expoartesanías 2023 is poised to be a spectacular celebration of Colombia’s rich artisanal heritage. Pre-sale tickets are available until December 6 and can be purchased for COP$16,000 on the official website:
expoartesanias.com/es/boleteria
Entry is free entry for children under 12. The fair will be open from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. from December 7 to 20 and is a pet-friendly environment.
