The Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism awarded on March 20 the National “Joaquín López Antay Medal 2025” to three artisans, as well as the National Woman Artisan Prize 2025 to two women artisans from Puno and Pasco. The ceremony was led by José Reyes Llanos, Minister of Foreign Trade and Tourism, who reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to recognizing Peruvian craftsmanship for its artistic excellence and cultural, social, and economic contributions.
The recognition highlights the importance of artisans in Peru’s cultural identity and economy. According to Minister Reyes Llanos, “In Peru, the artisan universe reaches 412,693 people according to INEI, constituting a living pillar of our cultural and economic identity. According to the National Registry of Artisans (RNA), we have 89,835 registered artisans, of whom 76% are women and 24% men. Honoring these guardians of heritage is not only a duty but a bet on a future where Peruvian creativity illuminates the world.”
After an evaluation process involving 59 candidates for the Joaquín López Antay Medal 2025, two artisans from Junín were selected: Elvia Paucar, a textile artisan with over twenty years of experience committed to training new generations; and Flaviano Gonzales, a master wood carver from Valle del Mantaro. Isaías Rodríguez from Lima was also recognized for his five decades as a goldsmith blending ancestral techniques with innovation.
The Joaquín López Antay Medal is awarded jointly with Congress as part of efforts under the Law on Artisanship and Development of Artisan Activity. The National Woman Artisan Prize aims to strengthen women’s leadership and economic autonomy. This year it went to Rosario Colina (Pasco), specializing in traditional Yanesha textiles; and Mariluz Mamani (Puno), leader of Chuspa de Oro – Vilavila Association.
Minister Reyes Llanos said that strategic initiatives are being promoted to support economic recovery in artisan activities through public policies focused on inclusive development with access to markets, innovation, training, and productive integration. “For Mincetur, this Month of the Artisan is an opportunity to redouble our support, recognize their invaluable contribution and above all promote commercial promotion actions nationwide,” he said.
Reyes Llanos also addressed tourism projections for Holy Week holidays when about 1.9 million visitors are expected across Peru. He estimated that travel during this period could generate an economic impact between US$215 million and US$220 million in sectors such as lodging, transportation, food services, clothing production—including costumes—and crafts.
