Customs and Traditions – Republic of Croatia

In Croatia, the art of Lacemaking dates back to the centuries and remains an integral part of the country's cultural identity to this day.

There are at least three distinct lacemaking traditions in Croatia today. These are centred on the island of Pag in the Adriatic, in the town of Lepoglava in northern Croatia, and on the island of Hvar in Dalmatia.

Pag needlepoint lace was originally used to make ecclesiastical garments, tablecloths and ornaments for clothing. The process involves embellishing a spider's web pattern with geometric motifs. This tradition is passed down by older women who offer year-long courses.

Lepoglava bobbin lace is made by braiding thread wound onto spindles, or bobbins. It is often used to make lace ribbons for folk costumes and is also sold at village fairs. The town of Lepoglava celebrates the art of lacemaking every year at the International Lace Festival.

Aloe lace is made in Croatia exclusively by Benedictine nuns in the town of Hvar. Thin, white threads are obtained from the core of fresh aloe leaves and woven into a net or other pattern on a cardboard background. The resulting pieces are a symbol of Hvar.

Each variety of lace has long been created by rural women as a source of additional income, leaving a permanent mark on their region's culture. This craft produces an important component of traditional clothing and is itself a testament to a living cultural tradition.

In 2009, Lacemaking in Croatia was inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

BONUS!

Watch the following video and learn more about lacemaking in Pag, Lepoglava and Hvar!

Sources and photographs taken from: https://ich.unesco.org/en/RL/lacemaking-in-croatia-00245

All photographs: Vidoslav Barac © Ministry of Culture of Croatia, 2008

Photograph No 1: Making needlepoint lace – Pag

Photograph No 2: Making bobbin lace – Lepoglava

Photograph No 3: Making aloe lace – Hvar

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