José Fernando Reyes Llanos, Minister of Foreign Trade and Tourism, visited Ayacucho to support the region’s tourism and handicraft sectors, according to a March 15 announcement. During his visit, Reyes toured the workshop of Cirilo Gálvez Ramos, who won the “Somos Artesanía 2025” contest for his work with Huamanga stone.
The visit focused on learning about the process behind creating sculptures from Huamanga stone, a traditional craft in Ayacucho. The pieces made by Gálvez Ramos include representations of cultural symbols such as the Obelisk of Pampa de la Quinua, the Andean condor, and scissor dancers. These works are seen as reflecting Peru’s history and cultural richness.
Gálvez Ramos’s project was one of 87 winners in Ayacucho during the 2025 edition of “Somos Artesanía.” As part of this recognition, he received a non-reimbursable grant of S/20,000 to improve his production facility and enhance the tourist experience offered at his workshop through interpretive tours.
Reyes said that “the ‘Somos Artesanía’ contest is part of Mincetur’s efforts to strengthen artisans and artisanal enterprises throughout the country through training, financing, and promotion in national and international markets.” He also highlighted that over six editions between 2021 and 2025, S/29 million has been awarded nationwide through this program. In Ayacucho alone, artisans have received around S/2 million.
Currently, there are 3,466 artisans registered in Ayacucho’s National Artisan Registry. The main crafts include textiles (62%), pottery and ceramics (14%), carving (9%), and imagery (7%).
Looking ahead to 2026, Mincetur plans several activities to further support artisans. These include the local craft fair “Ciudad Creativa,” scheduled for March 20-26 in Ayacucho’s Plaza de Armas; the Ayacucho Gastronomic Festival; and other promotional events during Artisan Month.
