Toledo, 7 October 2026. The 45th edition of the Castilla-La Mancha Craft Fair, FARCAMA, has opened its doors today, featuring 156 artisans, 81 of whom are from the region. The fair includes over fifty crafts and activities, as well as a networking space aimed at extending FARCAMA's business throughout the year.
This was highlighted by Patricia Franco, the regional Minister of Economy, Enterprises, and Employment, during the opening ceremony led by the regional president, Emiliano García-Page. Franco expressed gratitude to the "great protagonists of this event, the artisans, for their enduring passion over the past 45 years," noting that their commitment is the best asset for a fair that has become "an identity element of our region."
Franco also mentioned some of the innovations for this edition, which includes 25 international professionals from seven countries and 81 local artisans. Some activities, such as educational workshops attended by over 1,500 schoolchildren from the five provinces, have already reached capacity.
“It is a pleasure to showcase our most recognized techniques, such as damasquinado, which is classified as a Cultural Heritage Good in the region, and to have direct participation from students of the Art Schools of Toledo and Talavera de la Reina,” she stated, emphasizing the importance of looking towards the future in preserving craftsmanship.
In terms of promotion, Franco noted the presence of one of the region's significant crafts, knife-making, at the national and international culinary showcase Gastronómika San Sebastián, which recently concluded after hosting workshops and a presentation about regional knife-making. “Chefs know that our knives enhance their culinary work,” she remarked.
Within the framework of FARCAMA, the minister highlighted the networking space established in one of the industrial containers housing the fair. “It will be fully operational tomorrow, providing artisans from the region with a meeting point to collaborate with sectors such as hospitality, tourism, and restoration, creating synergies that will allow the fair's business to extend throughout the year,” she explained.
FARCAMA is primarily a fair for artisan business, but it also serves as a platform for recognition and remembrance. On 9 October, during the fair, the awards for the 45th edition of FARCAMA and the Regional Craft Awards will be presented. This year, the Artisan Merit Medal will be awarded to Rafael Cebrián, a potter from La Roda, who, at over 90 years old, continues to work at the wheel. Posthumous recognitions will also be given to Juan Manuel Escobar and Eustaquio Rosa. “It is a source of pride to see and know that their families are carrying on their artisanal legacy,” Franco emphasized.
“Thank you to everyone who makes FARCAMA possible and who has worked to ensure that the fair reaches its 45th edition shining and in excellent health,” Patricia Franco concluded.
