The Government of Castilla-La Mancha has underscored the essential role women play in preserving, recovering, and transmitting artisanal traditions, particularly those that are part of the cultural identity and collective memory of local communities. This was highlighted by the Minister of Education, Culture and Sports, Amador Pastor, during his attendance at the XV Regional Meeting of Bobbin Lace and Crafts in Tarancón, organised by the Arco de la Malena Women’s Association, which this year brought together over 600 participants from 60 groups across Castilla-La Mancha, Madrid, and Andalusia.
Amador Pastor stated, “To talk about bobbin lace is to talk about generations of women who have managed to preserve and transmit knowledge that is part of our history and culture. Thanks to them, what was once a daily task has also become an expression of our cultural heritage.”
He acknowledged the work of the Arco de la Malena Women’s Association, founded in 2009, particularly praising its president, Pilar Díaz Zafra, whose involvement has been crucial in reviving a nearly lost artisanal tradition in Tarancón.
Pastor also noted that events like this facilitate the sharing of knowledge, the exchange of techniques and experiences, and promote the transmission of these crafts between generations, while serving as spaces for community and recognition of women's work.
Furthermore, he highlighted the significance this meeting has achieved over its 15 editions, suggesting that, “due to its trajectory, the number of participants, and the presence of groups from different autonomous communities, we are witnessing an event that meets the criteria to be recognised as a national gathering.”
The high level of participation reflects the interest in these traditional crafts beyond Castilla-La Mancha and Tarancón’s potential to become a meeting point for those who share this passion. Alongside Amador Pastor, attendees included the mayor of Tarancón, José Manuel López Carrizo; the regional delegate in Cuenca, María Ángeles López; the provincial delegate of Education, Culture and Sports, Gustavo Martínez; the culture coordinator, Yolanda Rozalén; and provincial deputy, Eva García.
