The International Ceramics Festival will fill the streets of Manises on July 11th and 12th, serving as a showcase for the richness of the local ceramic heritage and the talent of its artisans. The annual event aims to bring this ancient craft closer to residents and visitors.
Tourism Councilor Àngel Mora highlighted the festival's importance as a key cultural and tourist event for Manises. The participation of UNESCO Creative Cities such as Carrara (Italy), Barcelos (Portugal), and Faenza (Italy), along with the twin city of Montelupo Fiorentino (Italy) and the presence of Cabo Verde, reinforces the city's international projection as a ceramic benchmark.
Over the two days, dozens of artisans will leave their workshops to set up their tents along Blasco Ibáñez Avenue. From 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM, they will demonstrate techniques such as modeling, socarrat, raku, wheel throwing, stamping, trencadís, jewelry, clay sculpture, and metallic glaze ceramics. There will also be an area dedicated to selling artisanal ceramic pieces.
The activity program includes a dance performance on Saturday, July 11th, at 7:00 PM, followed by the traditional alioli contest at 8:00 PM. On Sunday, July 12th, the Musical Society La Artística Manisense will perform at 7:00 PM, and at 8:00 PM, the traditional wheel throwing contest will take place.
The festival will feature the participation of numerous local entities and companies, including Taulellet, Cerámicas Pepe Royo, ANPEC, and Aliarte Cerámica, among others. Additionally, the Ceramics Parade, on Saturday, July 18th, at 7:00 PM, will tour the main streets with floats and local craft giveaways.
This year, ceramist Pepe Royo Alcaraz will be the honored guest at the 2026 Ceramics Festival. Belonging to a long lineage of ceramists, Royo has over fifty years of experience and solid training. The award ceremony will take place on July 9th at 7:00 PM in the Germanías Auditorium, following the inauguration of the artisans' exhibition at 6:00 PM in the El Arte de Manises building.
