The Castell de Cardona will be the venue for the first edition of OFICI - Feria de Artesanía Tradicional, taking place from 6 to 8 November. This new fair aims to highlight the value of artisanal trades and their role in contemporary society. The event is organised by the Department of Business and Labour, through the Consortium of Commerce, Crafts and Fashion of Catalonia (CCAM) and the creative agency Le Départament, in collaboration with the Department of Culture, the Cardona City Council, Cardona Tourism, and the Josep Arnau Salt Museum.
Over three days, more than 80 artisans selected by a cultural committee of experts will showcase their work in various disciplines, including ceramics, wood, metal, glass, natural fibres, textiles, paper, and jewellery. The fair will provide a comprehensive overview of techniques, materials, and knowledge associated with these crafts. Both the general public and professionals can attend the fair for free, where they can purchase products from exhibitors and participate in scheduled activities.
OFICI will feature creators from across Europe, Asia, and America, with a notable presence of over 30 artisans from Catalonia. Among them are prominent figures such as Xavier Mas, a master wood craftsman; Carol Fleischman, an expert in paper and textile crafts; Jordi Aguilera, a ceramist advocating for traditional wheel-turned techniques; Olga Kirienko, a textile specialist; Siyu Liu, who merges traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design; and Bagaceira, who works with various materials.
The fair will also bring together organisations dedicated to promoting artisanal trades. The European Crafts Alliance (ECA) will present Crafted Origins, an exhibition showcasing geographical indications of artisanal and industrial products from 10 European countries, highlighting the diversity, excellence, and connection between craftsmanship and its region of origin.
In a bid to enhance the international dimension, a selection of 10 Polish artisans, representing the Creative Industries Institute (IPK), will present the exhibition Material Imagination. Poetics of Dirty Hands, fostering dialogue among European creative communities, territories, and artisanal traditions.
Apart from the exhibition and direct sales of pieces, the fair will include a professional activities programme designed to expand discussions around craftsmanship, heritage, and its role in contemporary society. On Saturday, 7 November, from 12:00 to 13:00, a round table titled “The role of traditional craftsmanship in contemporary society” will be moderated by David Places, head of Crafts Catalonia. The panel will feature renowned interior designer Tomás Alía; Pepa Entrena, founder of Cocol, a Madrid-based store specialising in crafts; and Laura Miguel, Secretary General of the ECA. The discussion aims to reflect on the current relevance of traditional trades, their relationship with contemporary design, and their contribution to the preservation and reinterpretation of cultural heritage.
In the afternoon, from 16:30 to 18:00, the Association for the Study of Furniture (AEM) will present “More than a chest of drawers: the secrets of an 18th-century prayer piece,” a case study led by historian and restorer Joan Güell Solà. This session will take place in front of the piece, allowing attendees to closely examine the intricacies of a Baroque Catalan kneeling chest.
The Castell de Cardona, the venue for OFICI, is one of the most significant medieval monumental complexes in Catalonia. Its selection underscores a territory historically linked to the Salt Mountain, whose exploitation played a crucial role in Cardona's economic and social development. The fair also offers an opportunity to discover the historical and cultural heritage of the municipality. During this period, visitors wishing to explore the Salt Mountain can benefit from a special discount by entering the code “OFICI” when booking through the Cardona Tourism website. Additionally, the Josep Arnau Salt Museum will offer a special price for OFICI visitors from 6 to 9 November, from 11:00 to 19:00.
The inaugural edition of OFICI is sponsored by Maserati, coinciding with the year the Italian brand celebrates 100 years of its Trident, a symbol inspired by the Fountain of Neptune in Bologna, which has become an expression of Italian design.
