by Yosley Carrero
HAVANA, May 11 (Xinhua) -- Cuba's International Handicraft Fair dedicated to mothers is taking place here amid the gradual recovery of economy.
Running through this weekend, the event gathers exhibitors and artists from Colombia, Panama, Ecuador, South Africa, Mexico, Spain, India, Peru and Cuba.
Cuban ceramist Jiordana Garcia hailed the fair as a very good platform for the development of crafts nationwide.
"For us, it is a huge pleasure to participate in this type of event since we can contact directly to the public," she said. "We are working hard to meet Cuban clients' expectations."
Shoemaker Pedro Zamora told Xinhua this fair is vital to increase the earnings of young entrepreneurs.
"My family has a long history of making shoes, but the time has come for me to test my success as a fine artisan," he said. "If people buy my products, that is a good signal."
Hosted by the Cuban Fund of Cultural Goods (FCBC), the event comes ahead of the International Mother's Day which lies on the second Sunday in May.
The fair features handmade crafts such as textiles, artisanal soaps, glass art, wooden furniture, footwear and paintings. Concerts, fashion shows, and art exhibitions also take place at the fair.
"As a novelty, this year's edition has a strong presence of local development projects, small and medium-sized enterprises, and foreign artisans," said Tamara Rendon, a communication specialist at FCBC.
This year's edition includes more than 130 exhibition stands representing state institutions, private businesses, and independent artists, according to the organizer.
Havana resident Zadys Ramirez told Xinhua this fair gives Cubans a chance to buy high-quality craft items.
"I have bought a beautiful dress and some presents for relatives and friends of mine. I cannot leave this place empty-handed," she said.
State worker Ramon Cruz said this event showcases the wide variety of handicraft pieces made not only in Cuba but also across the world.
"I come with my sons. We are looking for a proper present for my wife," he said. ■