Idrija Bobbin Lace Festival kicks off
The opening ceremony will be marked by the story of the centuries-long tradition of the art of making bobbin lace in Idrija, which is still alive today.
Also in focus will be the anniversary of the local lace making school, its history and current students.
Keynote speakers will be Education Ministry State Secretary Tomaž Boh and Idrija Mayor Bojan Sever, while the musical part of the evening will feature chansonnier Lado Leskovar.
Several exhibitions of traditional and modern bobbin lace products will open at various locations around Idrija this afternoon, while the peak of the festival will be the traditional Sunday national competition in lace making.
The accompanying programme will offer a little something for the young and old, as various creative workshops, lace seminars and arts and crafts fairs will be organised. Sports and music events are also planned.
Visitors will also get the chance to taste traditional local delicacies and wine.
The art of making bobbin lace, which has a tradition in Slovenia dating back to the 17th century, was declared intangible heritage of national importance in March.
Apart from Idrija, bobbin lace making is also widely practised in nearby Železniki and Žiri.
There are over 100 associations and groups in the country dedicated to bobbin lace making.