Peniche brings global approach to Portugal lace inheritance

Peniche, a coastal city in western Portugal, recognized for its centennial lace tradition, recently organized the 2025 edition of the International Bobbin lace exhibition. Celebrated from July 11 to 13 at the Rendilheiras garden, the event brought together 21 delegations from 11 countries, including Belgium, Brazil, Spain, Finland, India, Italy and Malta, highlighting both regional crafts and global innovation in the design of lace.

As part of the celebration, two fashion parades were held in Jacob Rodrigues Pereira Square. The first, “Lace in Fashion,” took place on Saturday afternoon and presented Portuguese and international designs. The second show, “Links”, was held on Sunday and highlighted local creations that incorporate Peniche coil lace. In addition to fashion, the event also showed the use of lace in jewelry design, which underlines its versatility.

The showcase began with the inauguration of the exhibition “Bobbin Lace Around the World”, now on exhibition at the Peniche Bobbin Laches Museum until October 12. The museum, which was inaugurated in 2016, presents a permanent collection of tools and coat lace materials, from lace and patterns to puncture templates, originated from Portugal and Abroo. The exhibition also highlights the renowned lace tradition of Vila Do Conde, another important center of this centennial crafts.

“Bobbin Lace is undoubtedly a vital part of Peniche's cultural heritage,” said the municipality. “It is a living tradition that reflects the deeply entrenched memory, memory and customs of this community.”

Located in the Historic Center of Peniche, the museum is dedicated to the preservation, study and promotion of coil lace, celebrating the tangible and intangible aspects of the ship. As noted on the municipality's website, the space highlights more than four centuries of knowledge and crafts to make lace.

Guided visits are available every Friday throughout July and August, as part of a broader series of patrimonial routes organized by the local government.

Looking towards the future, tickets for competition 31 ° Peniche Bobbin Lace will be accepted in the museum between September 9 and 19. The competition is open to three age categories: up to 16 years (group A), 17 to 60 years (group B) and 61 and more (Group C).

According to the municipality of Peniche, which organizes the event, the showcase is “a celebration of a centenary art form” and serves as a platform to highlight local crafts, identity and tradition. It also aims to promote and protect this traditional certified art, which continues to define the cultural legacy of the region.