Around 250 bobbin lace makers from across Catalonia, particularly from Tarragona and Barcelona provinces, as well as several municipalities in Aragon, gathered in Salou on Sunday for the 28th Bobbin Lace Makers Gathering organised by the Salou Women's Group. This annual event has become a key meeting point for creativity and craftsmanship linked to bobbin lace.
The activity took place on the first section of Passeig Jaume I, a symbolic location featuring a bronze sculpture by artist Natàlia Ferré, which honours bobbin lace makers. Júlia Gómez, the Culture Councillor, attended the event alongside Sílvia Rovira, president of the organising group. They presented commemorative souvenirs to all participants.
Celebrating Traditional Craftsmanship
Many bobbin lace associations take part in this gathering each year. It provides a space for exchanging experiences, knowledge, and creative ideas about bobbin lace. This artisanal technique involves creating fine, complex filigrees using a cardboard pattern, threads, bobbins, needles, and a cushion. The method allows for the creation of diverse items such as umbrellas, bookmarks, bracelets, fans, shawls, handkerchiefs, brooches, or bedspreads, among many others. Makers use threads of all colours, guided by patterns on the cushion.
The day also included an honour for the oldest bobbin lace maker, 93-year-old Maria Cinta Fortuny from Cambrils. The youngest participants, eight-year-olds Uxía Ávila and Èlia García from El Vendrell, and Álvaro Parra from Torredembarra, were also recognised. This highlighted the generational continuity of this traditional craft.
Community and Future of Bobbin Lace
The event not only champions bobbin lace as cultural heritage but also strengthens social connections and the active role of local organisations. The gathering included spaces for participants to meet and exchange ideas, helping to build cohesion among associations and promote the continuation of this artisanal tradition.
Bobbin lace makers also had the chance to buy specific materials for their work from several specialised stalls. These stalls offered threads and accessories often hard to find in conventional haberdasheries. The sunny day in the heart of Salou, by the beach, ended with a raffle for participants.
