34th Trobada de Puntaires de Vilanova i la Geltrú 2026

A date with more than three decades of history

Reaching its 34th edition speaks to a well-established event on the local calendar. Vilanova i la Geltrú City CouncilThe organizer of the event presents the day as a gathering of lace-making groups and schools from across Catalonia. Its purpose is simple yet valuable: to showcase the art of cushion-lace making and to allow the public to learn how it is constructed.

Anyone who approaches will find a sight that never loses its charm. On each lace loom, pins point the way, bobbins change hands with their own rhythm, and the thread forms backgrounds, braids, and motifs. From the outside, it may seem like a dizzying movement; upon pausing for a moment, one discovers that each crossing is the result of a decision and that the piece grows with patience, order, and much practice.

Date, time and place

• Sunday November 15, 2026.
• From 10: 00 to 13: 00.
• Enric Cristòfol Ricart Square, Vilanova i la Geltrú.
• Free admission.

The activity is concentrated in the morning, so it's best to arrive early to stroll among the groups and observe the different ways of displaying the work. The plaza offers an intimate setting, perfect for leisurely observation and conversation with those who uphold the tradition. As with any good gathering, the same technique can display different nuances depending on the school, the region, or the specific craft chosen.

An outdoor school

These gatherings have something of a collective workshop feel. You don't need to know how to make lace to enjoy them: simply follow the movement of a couple of bobbins, observe the function of the pins, or ask about the emerging design. For those who already practice, they offer an opportunity to compare techniques, discover new materials, and reconnect with fellow lacemakers. For children and curious visitors, they can be a first introduction to a craft often learned in associations and schools.

It's also a good opportunity to appreciate the time and effort invested in each stitch. Bobbin lace doesn't appear all at once. It's formed through small repetitions, small advances, and careful corrections. Seeing it in person helps you understand why a handmade piece has its own unique character and why each piece retains something of the artist's touch.

Bobbin lace in a city open to the Mediterranean

Vilanova i la Geltrú adds to the morning's lacemaking the allure of a city deeply connected to the sea. The municipal website reminds visitors that its beaches, museums, and heritage are an essential part of local life. Espai FarFor example, it brings together maritime history in the Sant Cristòfol lighthouse, while the center preserves pleasant squares and streets to extend the walk after the meeting.

The proximity of the Mediterranean lends a luminous setting to a textile tradition that also knows how to adapt. Lace for clothing and trousseaus now coexists with accessories, decoration, and contemporary designs. This ability to change without losing the technique explains why these gatherings continue to bring together different generations.

A Sunday to look, ask and share

The 34th Lacemakers' Gathering invites you to approach lacemaking with curiosity. It's not just about admiring finished pieces, but about witnessing the moment when the thread becomes a design. The sound of the bobbins, the concentration around the cushions, and the conversations between tables create a familiar scene that perfectly encapsulates the spirit of these gatherings.

If you're near Vilanova i la Geltrú on November 15th, set aside the morning. Enric Cristòfol Ricart Square will be transformed into a miniature map of schools, styles, and shared experiences. Admission is free, and the best thing to bring is time and a willingness to ask questions. And perhaps, amidst the wanderings, someone will discover the desire to immerse themselves in this world for the very first time.