XV Textile Days of Escaldes-Engordany 2026: bobbin lace, nature and contemporary creation
Escaldes-Engordany will turn yarn into a way of looking at nature during the XV Textile Conference, which will be held from 16 to 18 October 2026The event brings together an exhibition, lectures, workshops, performance art, and a gathering of lacemakers around the theme "Natural Elements." For bobbin lace enthusiasts, Sunday will be especially important: the Sala Prat del Roure will host a meeting of lacemakers and the tenth edition of the contemporary lace competition.
Three days to discover textiles
The program will begin on Friday the 16th at 18:30 pm in Espai Caldes, with the opening of the exhibition. Half an hour later, textile artist Anna Champeney will give a talk that will help introduce this year's theme. The choice of nature invites us to observe fibers, shapes, rhythms, and colors that are often already present in lace: leaves, branches, waves, seeds, or small geometric patterns reminiscent of a landscape.
Saturday the 17th will be a day of learning and conversation. There will be weaving workshops with Anna Champeney and contemporary lace workshops with Bulgarian artist Bistra Pisancheva, from 10:00 to 13:00 and from 15:00 to 18:00. Each workshop costs 15 euros and has limited spaces, so it is advisable to contact the organizers beforehand. The participatory workshop "Weaving Memories" will also take place, along with a lecture by Andrea Eimke and, at the end of the day, the performance "MELIC."
On Sunday, bobbin lace at the Sala Prat del Roure
Sunday morning, the 18th, will be entirely dedicated to lacemaking. From 9:00 to 13:00, the Prat del Roure Room will host lacemakers and visitors in a space where the work can be observed live. The movement of the pairs of lace, the placement of the pins, and the slow progress of each design create a small soundscape that is familiar to those who practice this craft and surprising to those who experience it for the first time.
At midday, a performance by the Esbart Santa Anna is scheduled. Traditional dance thus joins a day that understands heritage as something living: a practice that is shared, adapted, and finds new ways to reach the public. Amidst cushions and conversation, it will also be a good opportunity to compare styles, ask about stitches, and discover how a piece changes depending on the yarn, scale, or the designer's intention.
A contest to imagine nature
The decision will be made during the meeting. 10th Contemporary Lace CompetitionThe call for entries invites participants to create an individual work inspired by "Natural Elements." Bobbin lace must be an integral part of the piece, although it can be combined with other textile techniques. A particularly interesting detail is that the work is presented unfinished, allowing participants to appreciate its construction and the path of the threads.
The competition includes four prizes of €350 each, recognizing technique, creativity, use of materials, and message. The registration deadline is October 5th. Those interested can request the rules and confirm their submission with the Escaldes-Engordany Textile Workshop by phone at +376 890 853 or by email at taller.textil@ee.ad. As always, it is advisable to check with the organizers before traveling or submitting a piece.
An autumn getaway to Andorra
October also offers a beautiful setting for visiting Escaldes-Engordany. This Andorran parish combines urban life with the proximity of the mountains, and its thermal waters are an integral part of an identity long linked to the landscape. Between activities, you can stroll through the surrounding area, admire the local architecture, and enjoy the autumnal hues that complement the theme of the event.
Those traveling specifically for lace will find an unusual program, one that blends traditional craft with contemporary experimentation. It's not just about seeing finished pieces: the workshops, demonstrations, and competition offer insights into the decisions that are usually hidden in the final product. How a leaf is translated into thread, where a background is opened, or why a particular material helps to express an idea are questions that may arise throughout the weekend.
The 15th Textile Conference offers, in short, three days to take a leisurely look around. Escaldes-Engordany will be filled with techniques, stories, and the hands of artisans who continue to discover new possibilities with thread. If you'd like to experience a nearby international event, save the dates and make sure to set aside some time for Sunday morning: bobbin lace and nature will come together in the heart of Andorra.
Sources: Comú d'Escaldes-Engordany y Puntaires de Girona, program and participation bases.
