Gracias to everyone who came out to experience the remarkable artistry of La Alfombra 2009.

Check back here for La Alfombra 2013 updates.

Details for La Alfombra 2009 below:

Nowhere else in America can the public witness the construction of “la alfombra!”  

Witness the lifespan of an historic tapestry creation made with multiple colors of volcanic sand from the Canary Islands – only at Main Plaza, the heart of San Antonio.

Watch history in the making with a one-of-a-kind cultural art exhibit and learn about the founding of San Antonio.

Friends of the Canary Islands, in partnership with Main Plaza Conservancy, San Fernando Cathedral, the Canary Islands Descendants Association and San Antonio's Founding Heritage, present "La Alfombra: Traditional Folk Art from the Canary Islands," March 7 and 8, 2009 at Main Plaza (115 North Main Avenue) in downtown San Antonio.

"La Alfombra" will be a multi-colored tapestry spanning the width of San Fernando Cathedral made with naturally colored volcanic sand brought directly to San Antonio from El Teide in the Canary Islands, the tallest mountain in Spain.  Domingo Gonzalez, Director of El Grupo de Alfombristas, will lead a group of artisans from La Orotava in Tenerife in the creation and installation of this traditional folk art from the Islands. 

Official Unveiling and Artist Meet & Greet  
Saturday, March 7, 2009 at 10 a.m. 

The public is invited to join city leaders and the Canary Islands community in San Antonio to celebrate the completion of "La Alfombra."  

Dramatic Reenactment                                                 
Presented by San Antonio's Founding Heritage
Sunday, March 8, 2009 at 11 a.m. 

This performance commemorates the 278th Anniversary of the Canary Islander's Arrival in San Antonio. 

Ceremonial Procession
Sunday, March 8, 2009 at 3 p.m. 

Lead by Archbishop José H.Gomez, the procession will be a dynamic interactive conclusion of the festivities. 

La Alfombra: Traditional Folk Art from the Canary Islands is free and open to the public.  

The event takes place at Main Plaza in the heart of downtown San Antonio adjacent to San Fernando Cathedral and the River Walk.  

Supporting sponsors include Friends of the Canary Islands, Government of the Canary Islands, City of San Antonio Office of Cultural Affairs, The Tobin Endowment, and Main Plaza Conservancy.