Lacemaking in Cieza

El encaje de bolillos (Handmade lace)

Lace making is an ancient western tradition which is practiced widely throughout  Continental Europe and is still undertaken by thousands of people across Spain today.  Making lace is something seen infrequently in the colder climes of the UK, but here in Spain it is more of a social activity, shared by neighbours in the long summer evenings before the advent of television, an activity which could be undertaken whilst enjoying the company of friends and family, occupying the hands with a craft which required a great deal of time and patience.

The tradition of lace making really started to spread throughout Europe in the 16th and 17th  centuries due to its popularity as an item of fashion, and continued even after the advent of machine made lace, an essential part of every woman’s wedding trousseau .  

Lacemaking is such an important part of Murcian culture that in the 1950s this skill was even part of the curriculum in schools for women.

In Cieza, it was common to find women sitting in the streets by their front doors making either lace or products with esparto (straw).  These two products are very deep rooted in Ciezan culture and generated wealth during the first few decades of the 20th century.  These crafts were generally undertaken together and acted as a focal point for meeting, conversation and entertainment for the women of Cieza.

Although in the last decades lace making has suffered a decline, this ancient tradition lives on in Cieza thanks to the efforts of members of the Asociación de Bolilleras La Perla del Segura who work to maintain the tradition of lacemaking alive in Cieza.   

The association’s excellent hard work can be seen in the exhibitions and demonstrations that take place not only in Cieza but throughout Spain, and the ladies regularly participate in encuentros with other lacemakers from across the region to share knowledge and improve their own skills.
Thanks to their hard work, the traditions of Ciezan lacemaking are continuing and a number of younger people are now learning the art of creating beautiful lace.