Gozo Lace Day 2026: Keeping tradition alive

The University's Gozo Campus, in collaboration with the International Organisation of Needle and Bobbin Lace (OIDFA) (Malta) and the Koperattiva Għawdxija tal-Bizzilla u Artiġjanat, organised the annual event “Gozo Lace Day”. 

The event was held on Sunday 19 April 2026 at the University Gozo Campus and consisted of a number of exhibitions and demonstrations of Gozo lace and talks on matters related to lace-making. Present for the event were Prof. Philip von Brockdorff, Rector’s Delegate for Gozo and Dr Consiglia Azzopardi.

In his introductory speech, Prof. von Brockdorff spoke about the importance of conserving lace making as an art form and praised Dr Azzopardi for her deep appreciation for the craft and her dedication to teaching lace-making techniques.

Dr Consiglia Azzopardi gave an overview of the works and courses related to lace-making which are being offered by the Centre for Liberal Arts and Sciences of the Gozo Campus. She introduced the new lace pattern booklet for the year which included projects with Maltese Cross patterns. She also thanked the staff at the Gozo Campus for their assistance in the offering of the courses and the organisation of similar events.

Invited for the event was Ms Annamaria Gatt, Curator, Costumes and Textiles at Heritage Malta, who delivered an interesting lecture on ‘Kpiepel u għata oħra tar-ras fir-ritratti u r-reklami tas-Seklu Għoxrin’.

Numerous lace makers and friends attended the event and visited the exhibitions of contemporary lace master-pieces and projects produced by students from the Centre for Liberal Arts and Sciences.

The biggest attraction was the gathering of student and experienced lace makers from the Koperattiva Għawdxija tal-Bizzilla u Artiġjanat, who shared their experience in the making of lace on the trajbu.