ZAGREB, September 14, 2019 - The 23rd International Lace Festival in Lepoglava opened on Friday, with "Magical Royal Lace" as the theme and Spain as the partner country.
The event, which closes on Sunday, features lace from 16 countries, including, for the first time, from Brazil, Venezuela and Puerto Rico, as well as from 11 lace centres in Croatia.
It was opened by Defence Ministry state secretary Zdravko Jakop as the envoy of President Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović, who bestowed the Croatian Charter on the festival for its outstanding contribution to the preservation of Lepoglava lace-making, which is part of UNESCO's Intangible Heritage, and for the successful promotion of Croatia's ethnographic tradition.
Saturday is Partner County Day and visitors can learn about Spain's culture, with emphasis on the flamenco.
Ambassador Alonso Dezcallar de Mazarredo said he was honoured Spain was this year's partner country, adding that Spanish lace whose history dates back to the 15th century would be shown.
Assistant Culture Minister Davor Trupković announced that a Lace-making Museum would be opened in Lepoglava, while Tourism Ministry secretary-general Ivo Basic said such festivals were important for tourism as they nurtured culture and diversity.
More news about festivals in Croatia can be found in the Lifestyle section.
