42nd Idrija Lace Festival

A Traditional Event Looking to the Future!

The Idrija Lace Festival is dedicated to honouring the rich tradition of bobbin lacemaking. As such, it embraces both its historical roots and the future by encouraging innovation in lace design and application. Every third weekend in June, Idrija transforms into a vibrant lace-making hub, where this sophisticated craft is celebrated, skills are shared and lifelong friendships are formed, weaving a global network akin to thousands of invisible threads.

This multi-day festival, held in Idrija since 1953, has been a cornerstone of Idrija's cultural, educational, economic and ethnological landscape. It boasts a rich array of exhibitions, workshops and lectures, coupled with a lively entertainment programme for all ages. A highlight is the Sunday national bobbin lacemaking competition for children and adults, now expanded to include a grand gathering of lace-makers.

The festival's expert part of the lineup, curated by the Idrija Lace School, the Idrija Lace Ladies' Association and the Idrija Municipal Museum, along with various contributors, is dedicated to both lace-makers and lace enthusiasts. Its mission is to showcase the heritage of Idrija bobbin lacemaking to the world, honouring its creators from past to present. This is complemented by a marketplace featuring Slovenian handicrafts, arts, crafts and local produce in the town centre. Visitors can also enjoy a variety of entertainment activities organized by the Idrija Tourism.

The significance of the festival is underscored by its recognition as one of the five largest ethnological festivals in Slovenia by the Slovenian Tourist Board.

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Ethnological festivals

Learn about life as it once was and as it is now at the most well-known ethnological festivals.

Ethnological festivals

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Idrija

As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Idrija boasts the second largest mercury mine in the world.

Idrija

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Not all žlikrofi are "Idrija žlikrofi" ...

Not all žlikrofi are "Idrija žlikrofi" ...

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Idrija – The Town of Mercury

Idrija stands as one of Slovenia's most exquisite gems. Renowned for its intricate bobbin lacemaking tradition, known as Idrija lace, and the delectable Idrija žlikrofi, the town's rich history is connected with the mercury mine, a heritage site inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The Idrija UNESCO Global Geopark offers a true paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, blending natural beauty with cultural richness in an unparalleled setting. Additionally, Idrija is a proud member of the Association of Historic Towns of Slovenia, further cementing its status as a treasure trove of history and culture.

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This article is part of an exciting partnership with with the Association of Historical Towns of Slovenia, of which Idrija is also a member. The partnership aims to bring you captivating stories from the historical towns nestled across Slovenia. As a regular feature of News from Slovenia, delivered to our valued subscribers, readers can expect to discover exciting stories from these timeless cities in the coming months. The contents for this article were provided by the Association of Historical Towns of Slovenia and Idrija Tourism.

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