Trobada de Puntaires (Lace-Making Gathering)

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Photo by Manu González courtesy of Ajuntament de Barcelona.

Lace makers from all over Catalunya come together to exhibit their pillows, lace and patterns, and, of course, to make lace! You'll find them lining the streets of Carrer dels Arcs and Portal de l’Àngel. They keep alive this artistic activity which was extremely important in Catalunya's textile industry between the 18th and 20th centuries.

The History of Lace-Making in Catalunya

Spain has a long history of lace-making. It is widely thought that Catherine of Aragon, the first wife of English King Henry VIII, introduced lace-making to England in 1531. The oldest Catalan bobbin lace dates from the 14th century and can be found in the Monastery of Pedralbes in Barcelona.

Since its creation, lace-making provided a livelihood for women homemakers across Europe because of the constant demand from the bourgeoisie to be seen wearing lace as a show of wealth. The most sought-after Spanish lace was the fine black lace historically used for mantillas (the silk lace veils worn over the head and shoulders on formal occasions across Spain).

At the end of the 19th century came the machines that did away with the professional lace-maker entirely. Now there is almost no demand for hand-made lace. Despite this lack of demand, the culture and love of lace-making is alive and kicking in Barcelona today. There are thought to be somewhere around 3,000 lace-makers in the city and 40 lace associations; every barrio of the city has at least one.

What to Do for Festes de Santa Eulàlia

Celebrated in the days surrounding February 12th, the Santa Eulàlia festival program is packed with things to do and see. From parades and exhibits filled with gegants (giants), capgrossos (bigheads) and fire-breathing beasts to giant castells (human towers), traditional dances and correfocs (fire runs), you're sure to find something to delight and amaze you.

But if all the festivities of La Mercè get to be a bit too much, why not take a culture break? Many of the city’s museums observe the holiday with a jornada de portes obertes (open doors). To make the most of your time, take a look at our interactive map with all the locations that are throwing open their doors for free: Free Museums in Barcelona for Santa Eulàlia.

See our page about the Festes de Santa Eulàlia for info on the festival's events and discover the story behind one of the biggest celebrations on Barcelona's calendar and the many traditions that make this beloved Catalan holiday so special.

For more events check our online events calendar.