Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1528437
7 gozotoday | FRIDAY • 25 OCTOBER 2024 PEOPLE Bugeja and the legacy of cotton and lace intricate designs crafted by Gozitan hands. The princess was presented with a piece of lace as a gift, and today, a plaque in Sannat commemorates this royal visit. "Knowing that our work was appreci- ated by royalty is deeply meaningful," says Alda. "It's a reminder of the value of what we do here." The European Artistic Craft Days Alda's dedication to preserving Gozo's heritage was recognised when she was invited to participate in the European Artistic Craft Days (EACD), an inter- national event dedicated to traditional crafts. As part of EACD, artisans across Eu- rope open their workshops to the pub- lic, offering demonstrations and hands- on sessions. In 2023, Alda was one of the many Maltese artisans who participated, in- viting visitors into her studio to expe- rience the art of weaving and lace-mak- ing. "It's wonderful to see people from different backgrounds and generations come together to learn these skills," Al- da shares. "The EACD is not only about show- casing our work but also about foster- ing a deeper appreciation for the craft." By taking part in EACD, Alda is help- ing to put Gozo on the map as a cen- tre for craftsmanship, ensuring that the island's artisanal traditions continue to thrive in a modern context.). Cultural exchange: Welcoming Ying and Chen Alda's commitment to cultural preser- vation extends beyond Gozo, as seen in her recent participation in a cultural ex- change programme with two students from China, Ying and Chen. One of the students is pursuing a degree in textiles, while the other focuses on ceramics. They travelled to Gozo to learn about the island's artisanal traditions, im- mersing themselves in Alda's work- shop to explore the process of spinning, weaving, and lace-making. For Alda, sharing these skills with Ying and Chen was a meaningful experience. "It's amazing to see young people from across the world interested in our herit- age," she says. "Watching them learn and adapt these techniques to their own studies is very fulfilling." The exchange allowed both students to experience hands-on learning and gain a deeper understanding of Gozo's rich cultural landscape. This exchange is part of Alda's broader effort to ensure that the island's weav- ing and lace-making traditions reach new audiences, fostering international connections that bring fresh perspec- tives to an ancient craft. Workshops and school outreach Alda believes that the future of Gozo's weaving heritage lies in educating younger generations. She regularly hosts workshops at her studio, where she teaches visitors and locals alike the fundamentals of weaving and lace-mak- ing. Additionally, Alda collaborates with local schools to introduce students to the craft, demonstrating the spinning of wool and the weaving of fabric on tradi- tional looms. "It's important for children to un- derstand that there's value in creat- ing something by hand," she explains. "Weaving teaches patience, focus, and respect for the materials." These school visits have become an in- tegral part of her mission. By reaching out to children and young people, Alda ensures that Gozo's weaving traditions are not forgotten. Through these workshops, students gain an appreciation for the history of their island and the skills that sustained their ancestors. "When you see a child's face light up as they watch a piece of fabric take shape, you know that the craft will continue," Alda says. Weaving as therapy Beyond its cultural significance, weav- ing is known for its therapeutic qual- ities. The repetitive motions of the loom, the steady rhythm of the spinning wheel, and the tactile engagement with natural fibres create a meditative expe- rience. Alda has found that the process of weaving can relieve stress and improve mental clarity. "There's something in- credibly calming about weaving," she notes. "It's a chance to disconnect from the world and focus entirely on the thread in front of you. I've seen people leave my workshops with a renewed sense of peace." Studies on the therapeutic benefits of weaving support Alda's observations. The act of creating something with one's hands has been shown to reduce anxiety and promote relaxation, which is why Alda incorporates these elements into her workshops. Participants not only learn a new skill but also experience the mental health benefits that come from engaging with a craft rooted in mindfulness. "For me, weaving is as much about wellness as it is about heritage," she says. Crafting for the Pope In 2022, Alda was honoured with a re- quest to weave a stole for Pope Francis during his visit to Gozo. This commis- sion was a profound moment for her, reflecting the respect that Gozo's weav- ing tradition commands on the global stage. "Creating something for the Pope was a deeply humbling experience," she shares. "It reaffirmed the importance of what we do and reminded me that these skills are a gift worth sharing with the world." Sustainability and tradition As the world moves towards sustain- able, locally-sourced goods, Alda sees a bright future for Gozo's weaving indus- try. She has introduced workshops on re- cycling textiles, showing how tradition- al techniques can be adapted to meet modern environmental needs. "Our ancestors were resourceful and made things to last," she says. "By pre- serving these values, we're not just keeping traditions alive; we're offering people an opportunity to reconnect with the past in a way that respects the planet." Through her work, Alda ensures that Gozo's weaving and lace-making her- itage will endure, connecting each new generation with the skills and values of the island's past. Her workshop on Palm Street is open year-round, welcoming visitors to expe- rience these ancient crafts and take part in the island's legacy. "I'm just one link in a long chain," she says with a smile. "These skills don't belong to me alone—they belong to Gozo." You can find Alda in Palm Street, Victoria. Her workshops offer a unique opportunity to experience the art of traditional weaving and lace-making. Through her dedication, she is preserv- ing Gozo's artisanal heritage and in- spiring a renewed appreciation for the island's cultural roots. Advance booking advised. Alda participated in a cultural exchange programme with two students from China, Ying and Chen