10th Lacework Festival in Kalofer

bnr.bg

On 15 August the town of Kalofer, Central Bulgaria, played host for the 10th time to a Lacework Festival.

Collections of Kalofer lace were displayed and an open-air bazaar was organized in the town.

Lace knitting was introduced in Kalofer in the early 20 c. as a way to boost the town’s economy.

In 1910 the first specialized school opened with a focus on shuttle Brussels lace. Based on a dozen imported plaits, the Kalofer masters of the trade created 110 original ones.

The patterns feature stylized roses, daffodils, vines, carnations, birds and animals.

The sophisticated Kalofer lacework was famous not only in Bulgaria but also in Britain, France, Belgium and Turkey. Lace was used to decorate clothes and handkerchiefs, but also bedding.

Today the Kalofer School offers a vocational class in lacework.