ALPUJARRA ARTESANAL: the tradition of crafts, recycling and upcycling in Granada, Spain

IN this era of moving towards sustainability, “slow fashion” and handmade items are becoming more popular. The rural Alpujarra of Granada has a tradition of using natural resources to create artisan products. This dates back to the Neolithic period, more than 4,500 years ago, when primitive artisans made their own footwear, baskets, pottery, pottery, and metal weapons.

Some of the old crafts are kept today. The white towns nestled on the southern flank of the Sierra Nevada are the perfect place to buy ‘jarapas’ (carpets), leather goods, wicker (wicker), esparto grass, ceramics, foundry products, etc. These predominate in Pampaneira, Capileira and Bubión, which are also considered among the “most beautiful” towns in Spain.

In the Alpujarra you will also find modern products made with natural fibers. These include cotton bags, hats and cushion covers, personalized pre-loved clothing, Macarame crafts, handmade and hand-dyed garments.

colored jarapas

Passed down from generation to generation, the tradition of weaving Alpujarra rugs dates back to Muslim times. Historically, weaving was done primarily in winter, when the crops required less labor. The resulting ‘jarapas’ are thick, colorful woven products that can be used as rugs, bedspreads, blankets or wall hangings. In the past, the old clothes went to the loom, but today wool and cotton are used.

Wicker (wicker)

A few decades ago, various families from Lanjarón and the nearby Lecrín Valley worked making wicker items such as baskets, vases, chairs, lamps, bottle racks, mirrors and shelves. Today, only a few wicker craftsmen remain. If you visit the spa town of Lanjarón, you can find wicker products made by the locals.

esparto braid

The Alpujarra is rich in esparto grass, as well as other natural fibers, with which everything from baskets to bottle holders, umbrellas, donkey heads, espadrilles, chair seats and many other items are made, some practical, others innovative. The esparto grass was originally braided to create objects and utensils related to agriculture. In the towns of the Alpujarra, some old people sit at the door of their houses braiding esparto grass as a hobby.

Ceramics

The Alpujarra and Granada have a long history of ceramics, dating back to Muslim times. The area is rich in clay, which can be fired in wood-fired ovens. Pitchers, pots, jars, bowls, utensils, plates and tiles are all made manually, using a potter’s wheel. Moorish pottery survives in towns such as Órgiva, Torvizcón and Ugíjar, as well as Granada. Nasrid heritage ceramics have been found, including distinctive pieces with green and blue glazes with motifs representing birds, pomegranates, and flowers. These colors and motifs are still used today.

Recycle, recycle!

The Órgiva city market has several shops where you can buy used or recycled items. Kushti, on Yáñez street, is a new store that sells these ethical products.

The owner told Olive Press: “One of the key aspects here is recycling. Our home-sourced vintage range contains housewares, clothing, textiles and curiosities from around the world, including India, Nepal, Morocco, France, the UK and more. All products are fair trade and handmade and we have relationships with a few manufacturers going back 25 years, including an ashram in India. We also sell various items made from old sarees. This makes each item unique.”

Órgiva also has two charity shops, a rarity in rural Spain. You can pack clothes that cost as little as 1e each, as well as books and household items. Right next to the highway, Lanjarón has the Acompalia solidarity store that supports those who need end-of-life care. It sells clothing, household items, books, and electrical items.

Órgiva is also a privileged destination to visit the markets for boot sales, crafts and recycling, as well as the municipal market that is held every Thursday. It is a world of ethical negotiations.

Where to buy ethical products

• Recycling market, Rio Chico, Órgiva – every first and third Sunday of the month.
• Órgiva market day with a craft section in the town square – every Thursday morning.
• Solidarity store Mujeres Asociación, Órgiva – open every Thursday morning.
• Acompalia solidarity store, Lanjarón.
• Pampaneira, Capileira and Bubion for funky craft shops, leather goods, jarapas, the Atilier Vintage furniture store and artisan markets.
• Soportújar (avoid high season on weekends and holidays).
• Cadiar – Agro-Arte-Sano Market (consult online).

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