Gozo Lace Day in its 16th edition

Exhibition and demonstrations of traditional Gozo lace

Gozo Lace Day was organized for the 16th consecutive time this year. The Lace-Making Programme of the University Gozo Campus held this event on Sunday, the 22nd of April 2012. Several pieces of traditional Gozo lace were exhibited and there were also demonstrations explaining the lace making process.  There were a number of stands, one of which was of the International Organization of Needle and Bobbin Lace (OIDFA). One could also attend talks on issues related lace-making as well as visit exhibitions of contemporary lace master-pieces and textile crafts.

The event was attended by many lace makers and a number of distinguished guests that included: the Hon. Giovanna Debono - Minister for Gozo, Ms Consiglia Azzopardi - coordinator of the Lace Making Programme, and Dr Joseph Azzopardi who was the guest speaker for the occasion.

Minister Giovanna Debono explained that lace making is an intrinsic part of Gozo’s traditions and is a unique feature of the island’s touristic product; therefore lace has both an economic and a heritage value for Gozo. She also presented certificates to students who successfully finished courses of the Lace-Making programme. On the other hand, Ms. Consiglia Azzopardi delivered a talk regarding the pattern of Cape Collar while Dr. Joseph Azzopardi gave an interesting talk about reviving the Maltese Lace tradition. All those who attended were given a lace bobbin as a souvenir of the occasion.