Monday, December 21, 2009

Christmas Time and Local Artisans in Valencia Spain


The Christmas markets of Germany and France are not to be found in Spain, but every city in Spain has its own versions of holiday lights, markets and celebrations. Valencia is a beautiful city and one that is particularly so when lit up at night. In addition to the regular bustling markets held throughout the city on any given day, Valencia hosts an artisan market during December in Plaza de la Reina next to the cathedral. Here you can find a variety of beautiful handcrafted goods made in the Valencia region.

Los Oliveros makes a range of items from native olive wood – a golden and brown hardwood. You can find ornaments, kitchen utensils, bowls, rings, and more made from this beautiful wood by self-taught artisans who have been creating these olive wood goods for almost twenty years. 

Mandala Shoes uses vegetable–tanned leather to make a line of shoes and accessories.The shoes are made with natural leather, cork, and some natural rubber on the soles. Leather workers since 1900, the La Mano family now handcrafts these goods including offering custom-sized shoes. They also sell a natural leather care product containing lanolin, beeswax and jojoba oil. In keeping with their environmental commitment, their production waste materials are used as natural fertilizer.

La Casa de la Luna Media is a cooperative making herbal body care products and natural medicinals from organic herbs in the Castellon area of Spain about one hour north of Valencia city.

You will also find silversmiths, leatherworkers, ceramicists, fan-makers, and much more in the artisan market. This is a fantastic place to find locally made products at excellent prices.

If you are not in Valencia during December you can find local craftspeople year round through the Centro de Artesania Comunitat Valencia, Calle del Hospital, 7, 46001 Valencia.

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