Azorean handicrafts were once again awarded at this year's edition of the International Handicrafts Fair - FIA Lisboa 2026, with pieces by artisans Adolfo Mendonça, Carolina Medeiros, and Marina Mendonça.

Ceramicist Adolfo Mendonça, from the island of Terceira, received the 1st Prize for "Contemporary Handicrafts" with the piece "39ºC", crafted from marine elements that characterize his work and carrying a message of warning about environmental issues, revealing the fragility of ecosystems and highlighting the impact of human action on nature.

Carolina Medeiros, from the island of São Miguel, received an Honorable Mention for "Contemporary Handicrafts" with the piece "SUBT'L Wearable Architecture Necklace," whose geometric composition in black, white, and natural wood creates a play of shapes and patterns that highlights a minimalist, contemporary, and architecturally inspired aesthetic.

Marina Mendonça, from the island of Santa Maria, was also awarded an Honorable Mention in the “Contemporary Handicrafts” category for her “Pote Condessa,” a piece originating from Condessa baskets that combines traditional basketry techniques with a contemporary ceramic aesthetic.

“The Government of the Azores congratulates the artisans distinguished at FIA, a just recognition that is a source of immense pride for the Azorean people,” states Maria João Carreiro.

The Regional Secretary for Youth, Housing and Employment praises the willingness of a “new generation of artisans to grasp the authenticity and defend the Azorean artisanal know-how in their productions, giving them innovation, national and international projection, and transforming tradition into identity, cultural and economic value.”

Maria João Carreiro also assures the Regional Government's full commitment to "continuing to promote the conditions for the creation and production of handicrafts," particularly through the Azores Handicrafts and Design Center - CADA, an "excellent public service that works to continuously value artisans and handicrafts."

FIA Lisboa, the largest handicrafts event in the Iberian Peninsula, is taking place until Sunday, July 5th, at Parque das Nações, and features the participation of 10 Handicraft Production Units registered with CADA.

Azorean artisans are exhibiting works in figurative ceramics, corn husk crafts, fish scales, nativity scenes, ceramics, textiles, papercraft, and costume jewelry making, giving visibility to the certified products of the collective brand "Artesanato dos Açores".

The Azores stand also features "Mercado das Ilhas" to showcase the best of Azorean flavors.

The strong presence of Azorean crafts at FIA was reinforced this year with the inclusion of pieces by Azorean artisans, resulting from collaborations with designers and other artisans, in the exhibition “Design for Craft”, curated by Guta Moura Guedes.

This exhibition is a FIA initiative to reposition crafts in contemporary times and marks the beginning of a three-edition cycle, until 2028, with the aim of consolidating the concept and gradually expanding it to an international dimension.

FIA Lisbon has 500 exhibitors and 36 countries represented.