Soria surrenders to the art of thread: the 17th Lacemakers' Meeting arrives
On September 28th, Soria's Plaza Mayor will momentarily abandon its daily routine to become a vibrant tapestry of color, tradition, and talent. It will be a morning to remember, as the XVII Lacemakers' Meeting, an essential event for those who are passionate about bobbin lace, that dance of threads that, between needles and pads, weaves patience and beauty in equal measure.
From 10:00 a.m. to 13:30 p.m., dozens of women—and some proud men too—will gather in the heart of the city, transforming the square into an open-air workshop. Under the tents, the click-click sound of bobbins will mark the rhythm of the morning. The same sound that has shaped generations, because lacemaking is not just a technique: it is a living memory, a heritage passed on with love and perseverance, from grandmothers to granddaughters, from masters to apprentices.
The organization is in charge of the Leonor de Soria Lace Makers Cultural Association, who has been promoting this craft for years with enthusiasm and contagious energy. And they don't do it alone: Soria City Hall, the Provincial Council y Soria Rural Savings Bank They are working together to ensure that this event grows and consolidates itself as one of the most beloved events on the national textile calendar.
An exhibition to be dazzled
As a perfect complement to Sunday's event, there will be a Exhibition of Works in the Town Hall. On Saturday the 27th, it will be open to the public from 11:00 a.m. to 13:30 p.m. and from 17:00 p.m. to 20:00 p.m.; and on Sunday the 28th, from 10:00 a.m. to 13:00 p.m. A stroll through this exhibition is a visual delight: mantillas, lace, rugs, fans, and even clothing, all crafted with care and a technique so precise it seems magical. It's as if the hands of those who weave speak another language, one understood with the heart and admiration.
Soria, much more than lace
And while we're at it, let's be clear: those who come to Soria for the lace, stay for its charm. Because the city not only welcomes this event with open arms, it also invites you to discover its history, its landscape, and its flavor.
A walk through the old town It's like opening a picture book. From the St. Peter's Co-Cathedral to Horn Arch, every alley whispers legends. And if you dare to climb the castle park, the views of the Duero and Moncayo in the background take your breath away. To one side, the Romanesque cloister of San Juan de Duero with its intertwined arches; on the other, the hermitage of Saint Saturius, hanging from the rock, where each stone has a soul.
And when your body is crying out for a break, there's nothing like a good Soria meal: crispy pork rinds, butter with a designation of origin, seasonal mushrooms, Ribera del Duero wine... and if it's followed by a long after-dinner conversation, even better.
A meeting that unites generations
But the most moving thing about these gatherings isn't just the lace, but the people. It's seeing a nine-year-old girl, spellbound, watch her grandmother move the bobbins, or how a group of friends from different parts of Spain reunite once again around their pillows, with smiles from ear to ear. It's that invisible fabric of affection and respect for handmade items that is woven together.
In a world that runs too fast, bobbin lace reminds us that what matters is built slowly. Stitch by stitch. And this XVII Lacemakers' Meeting in Soria It is, without a doubt, a firm point towards the future of our traditions.
So now you know: if you have the soul of a craftswoman, if you're fascinated by crafts steeped in history, or if you simply want to experience a different and bright morning, September 28th is your date in Soria. Bring your curiosity, your camera, and who knows, maybe you'll come back with a new hobby in hand.
