Puerto del Rosario, April 2024 – This week, CEIP Puerto Cabras had the privilege of welcoming María Hernández, a master artisan specialized in palm weaving, who delivered an inspiring workshop that introduced students to one of Fuerteventura’s most cherished traditions.
María, originally from Pájara, learned the craft from an early age by watching her father and grandmother work palm leaves with skill and care. Since the age of 15, this art has been part of her life, and since 2012, she has been dedicated to it professionally, proudly holding the official title of master artisan.
During the workshop, held across various classrooms, María demonstrated different palm weaving techniques, showcased traditional handcrafted items such as baskets and hats, and shared with the students the core values of the craft: patience, respect for nature, and love for local heritage.
Although she has long offered adult training, María began visiting schools three years ago, aiming to plant the seed of tradition in younger generations. “It’s incredibly rewarding to see children take interest in a craft that defines our identity. Bringing this to schools is essential to keeping it alive,” she says.
Both students and teachers thoroughly enjoyed the experience, which proved to be a meaningful example of how crafts can enrich education, connecting past and present, hands and heart.
CEIP Puerto Cabras has expressed its intention to continue welcoming María each May as part of its commitment to bringing Canarian culture and tradition closer to its students.
“Thank you, María, for your art, your warmth, and your dedication to preserving our cultural heritage. May the value of handmade traditions always live on.”
