The traditional International Popular Art Fair of Concepción

Concepción Popular Art Fair began its 59th edition: Lucybell will be the first musical act

The traditional International Popular Art Fair of Concepción was inaugurated this Friday, January 19. In a ceremony held in Ecuador Park, details of what the renowned event will be were presented.

The 59th edition of the fair, recently renamed the "Dr. Guillermo Aste" International Popular Art Fair, opened its doors to welcome the public from January 19 to February 4. The event was held for the second consecutive time in Ecuador Park, with an extensive two-block-long tent and external spaces for food trucks, plant sales, and a stage.

The event has the participation of 155 stands of various types of local, national and international products. In addition, it will feature various musical numbers, such as Lucybell this Saturday, January 20, and Banda La Octava on the 27th of this month.

Authorities of the Biobío region
Mayor Álvaro Ortiz was the one who cut the ribbon to make way for access to the large tent that houses the entrepreneurs. At the inauguration, the mayor said that "it is always an honor to be part of this important fair, which is one of the most important in South America."
Along with this, he called to be respectful of the environment, entrepreneurs and residents of the sector. "The pastures of Ecuador Park are not a parking lot or a camp. Illegal commerce is not welcome here, that is what the food trucks that were previously authorized by the municipality are for. We want there to be a good coexistence between those who live in the sector, the vendors and the thousands of visitors who will arrive," Ortiz added.
On the other hand, the Minister of Economy of Biobío, Javier Sepúlveda, referred to the monetary prospects of this new edition of the Art Fair. "These types of activities not only elevate popular art and the talent of each artisan, but also create economy and wealth that remains in the local territory," said the seremi.

Furthermore, he emphasized the importance of "preferring established commerce. The only way to grow and take care of cities is by opting for legal commerce and not giving in to street vendors."

Entrepreneurs and exhibitors
Applications to participate in the International Popular Art Fair were carried out during the month of August 2023. On that occasion, anyone could apply and present the required documentation to try to be part of the renowned exhibition.

One of those selected was Alejandra Osorio, with her venture "Nobles Vibras", who had already participated in the previous edition. She is dedicated to making home decoration items by hand. Regarding the experience at the 2023 Popular Art Fair, she commented that "it was very enriching. I met many very hard-working and creative people; it was a very enriching human group."

Thanks to what was seen in the previous edition, Osorio projects a positive balance and hopes that this time he will achieve what he achieved in 2023. "Last year I was very happy with the public's reception of my work. What I do is very innovative and has a good impact," added the entrepreneur.

The word "International" is not in the name of the fair for no reason, as multiple foreign exhibitors participate each year. Nicasio Quispe is a manufacturer of wooden instruments from Bolivia, who applied to the International Popular Art Fair after having visited Chile on multiple occasions.