Peniche brings global focus to Portugal’s lace-making heritage

Peniche, a coastal town in western Portugal renowned for its centuries-old lace-making tradition, recently hosted the 2025 edition of the International Bobbin Lace Showcase. Held from July 11 to 13 in the Rendilheiras Garden, the event brought together 21 delegations from 11 countries, including Belgium, Brazil, Spain, Finland, India, Italy and Malta, spotlighting both regional craftsmanship and global innovation in lace design.

As part of the celebration, two fashion shows were held in Jacob Rodrigues Pereira Square. The first, “Lace in Fashion,” took place on Saturday afternoon and featured both Portuguese and international designs. The second show, “Enlaces,” was held on Sunday and highlighted local creations incorporating Peniche bobbin lace. In addition to fashion, the event also showcased the use of lace in jewelry design, underlining its versatility.

The showcase began with the opening of the exhibition “Bobbin Lace Around the World,” now on display at the Peniche Bobbin Lace Museum through October 12. The museum, which opened in 2016, features a permanent collection of bobbin lace tools and materials — from lace and patterns to pricking templates — originating from both Portugal and abroad. The exhibition also highlights the renowned lace tradition of Vila do Conde, another major hub of this centuries-old craft.

“Bobbin lace is undeniably a vital part of Peniche’s cultural heritage,” the municipality stated. “It’s a living tradition that reflects the identity, memory and deep-rooted customs of this community.”

Located in Peniche’s historic center, the museum is dedicated to the preservation, study and promotion of bobbin lace, celebrating both the tangible and intangible aspects of the craft. As noted on the municipality’s website, the space highlights more than four centuries of lace-making knowledge and craftsmanship.

Guided tours are available every Friday throughout July and August, as part of a broader series of heritage routes organized by the local government.

Looking ahead, entries for the 31st Peniche Bobbin Lace Competition will be accepted at the museum between September 9 and 19. The competition is open to three age categories: up to 16 years (Group A), 17 to 60 years (Group B), and 61 and over (Group C).

According to the Peniche Municipality, which organizes the event, the showcase is “a celebration of a centuries-old art form” and serves as a platform to highlight local craftsmanship, identity and tradition. It also aims to promote and protect this certified traditional art, which continues to define the region’s cultural legacy.