Idrija Lace Festival

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Festival idrijske čipke

Vodnikova 3, SI-5280 Idrija

http://www.idrija-turizem.si

ticidrija@icra.si

Phone386 (0) 5 374 3916

Organised byTourist Information Centre Idrija

Mirka Rupnik, Director

For centuries the town of Idrija has been associated with mining and lacemaking as its trademarks. The Idrija Lace Festival has presented the 'Idrija Lace’ [idrijska čipka] works and a local culinary speciality called idrijski žlikrof since 1990. Lacemakers show their creations in the streets of Idrija, lacemaking competitions and exhibitions are organised, and thematic lacemaking workshops are held. It is also possible to buy lacemaking technical equipment and to view exhibitions of other folk trades and crafts.

Background

The second oldest and largest mercury mine in the world (closed in 1995) has shaped the lifestyle and local economy. Bobbin-lace making was introduced into Slovenia from the Czech and German lands of the Austro-Hungarian monarchy more than 300 years ago; the first mention goes back to the year 1696. Idrija gradually developed its own techniques and design patterns. In 1876 a lace school was established and its activities achieved European dimensions. Lace was exported worldwide the same as mercury. During the last decade the Municipality of Idrija has encouraged the establishment of the Idrija Lace brand, supported by the Interreg programme.

Programme

During the festival a national lacemaking competition is held for children and adults, leading to the presentation of the Ivanka Ferjančič Award (initially supported by the EU Culture 2000 programme).

Exhibitions are held mainly at Gewerkenegg Castle in Idrija and the main one in 2010 sums up the role of this craft for the local community in the past – Wealth For the Rich, Blessing For the Poor. Each year the festival features also exhibitions of international lace (e.g. Belgian Bevern, Hungaria Halas lace, Estonia). The collaborations with the Department of Textiles, University of Ljubljana are encouraged (e.g. the students' exhibition Lace: Tradition in the Modern World in 2003)).

The festival is accompanied by the international lacemakers gathering, workshops, demonstrations, competitions, concerts and outdoor parties.

See also

• Idrija Municipal Museum

External links

• Idrija Lace Festival web page
• VR panoramas of the 2008 festival on Burger.si website