Lace in the streets of Birgu

One of the purposes of the Klabb tal-Bizzilla Maltija was to make Maltese bobbin lace-making better known. Lace-making was an important part of our past, helping many families make ends meet, so it seemed a pity to let it die quietly and that we would only have pieces of lace and pictures to remind us that Maltese lace was one of the most sought after by European nobility and higher classes.

On its first anniversary, the Klabb organised Jum il-Bizzilla fit-Triq (Lace in the Street Day) to commemorate all the Maltese lace-makers of the past who used to spend their days in the street facing their lace pillow, working lace. In this original event, the club found the helpful collaboration of the Birgu council who offered the Collachio area as a venue.

As the club wanted to unite all lace-workers, it opened up this event to all lace-makers, being club members or not and they responded readily to its call. So on Sunday, June 4, over 70 lace-makers from all over Malta flocked to Birgu to work at their pillows in the narrow streets just like old times. The quiet streets were filled with the noise of the chatting lace-makers, local visitors and the tourists.

It was heartening to see so many people gathered together to appreciate this craft. Those who have knowledge of it enjoyed being with others who have the same interests. However this event was also enjoyed by the many visitors who came to see these lacemakers at work.

It is often very fascinating to watch the nimble fingers of the experience lace-worker at work and to hear the sound of the bobbins as they chime against each other.

The Klabb tal-Bizzilla Maltija is very encouraged by the response to this first ever event and plans to make it an annual event, with lace-makers working in the streets of towns and villages all over Malta.