Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1528437
6 gozotoday | FRIDAY • 25 OCTOBER 2024 PEOPLE Reviving Gozo's weaving heritage: Alda Bugeja ANTHONY REED IN the heart of Gozo's historic capital, Victoria, Alda Bugeja is quietly weav- ing together the strands of an ancient craft. Her workshop, filled with vibrant handwoven textiles and the comforting sound of spinning wheels, is more than just a workspace—it's a living museum of Gozitan heritage. For generations, Alda's family has been dedicated to the craft of weaving, spinning, and lace-making, sustaining a tradition that traces its roots back to the 19th century when cotton fields dotted the island. Weaving a family tradition Alda's ancestors, like many Gozitan families, cultivated cotton and raised sheep, producing the raw materials needed for weaving. Cotton picking was a labour-intensive process, requiring each boll to be carefully handpicked and its seeds removed. These fibres were then spun into thread, ready for weaving on hand- looms. Her grandmother, Gizwarda Caru- ana, was a master weaver, creating everything from blankets to lace—a skill that remains synonymous with Gozo today. "My grandmother taught me that weaving isn't just about creating fabric," Alda reflects. "It's about preserving our family's story, one thread at a time." Supplying the British military During British rule, Gozo's high-qual- ity cotton was in demand for military uniforms, providing families like the Bugejas with a reliable source of in- come. The British recognised the durability and craftsmanship of Gozitan fabrics, which Alda's family proudly produced for decades. But as industrialisation brought cheaper, machine-made fabrics to Eu- rope, the demand for handwoven tex- tiles diminished. Despite these changes, the Buge- ja family remained dedicated to their craft, clinging to the traditions that had sustained them for generations. A royal visit to Sannat's lace-makers In 1951, Gozo's artisanal heritage re- ceived a royal endorsement when Prin- cess Elizabeth, soon to become Queen Elizabeth II, visited the island with the Duke of Edinburgh. During her visit, she stopped in the village of Sannat, where local lace-makers demonstrated their skills. The princess visited the home of Ġuseppa Debrincat, a well-known lace merchant, and was captivated by the