The town of Ierapetra hosts a unique festival dedicated to the art of weaving, celebrating its craftspeople, and the distinctive creativity of Crete. Organized by ECCE!, an independent cultural organization, the “Loom & Weaving Festival” brings together weavers, creators, communities, and visitors for a three-day journey filled with exhibitions, workshops, screenings, meetings, and artistic events. The festival revolves around the loom, the traditional tool that stands as a symbol of expression, creation, and unity, connecting the rich past of Cretan weaving with its contemporary evolution.

This event offers a deep dive into the world of weaving, a craft intrinsically linked to the cultural heritage of rural Crete. Participants will have the opportunity to explore both traditional and contemporary woven textiles, including decorative patterns (xomblia), traditional costumes, kilims, and dowry items. The festival aims to answer questions about the preservation and evolution of this ever-present art form, the role of the women who have carried it through generations, and the perspective of new creators. Through a series of engaging activities, it highlights the value of handmade creation as a response to the fast fashion industry. The daily events are held in the spacious multipurpose hall and courtyard of the 2nd Experimental Primary School of Ierapetra, creating a vibrant hub for learning and interaction.

Daily Events (Free Admission)

From August 7th to 9th, starting at 5:00 PM each afternoon, the festival grounds will feature a variety of ongoing activities with free admission and participation:

• Weaving Exhibition: Showcasing traditional and contemporary woven items, intricate patterns (xomblia), costumes, kilims, dowry pieces, and both decorative and functional works.
• Photography Exhibition & Screenings: A collection of archival and modern photographs, alongside selected documentaries from Crete and beyond, will illuminate the history, techniques, and living heritage of weaving.
• Loom in Action: A fully operational loom will be set up, with local weavers demonstrating the art of weaving daily.
• Hands-on Workshops: Short, open workshops where visitors, guided by experienced weavers, can sit at the loom and try their hand at weaving.
• My First Weaving – Children’s Activities: Children can create their first designs on individual looms with the help of weavers. They can also participate in knowledge-based games and trivia about weaving, textiles, and Cretan patterns.
• Film Screenings: The festival will feature a selection of short and medium-length films that highlight weaving as an art form and a cultural trace. Among them are works by Mehdi Aminian (Iran) and Waref Abu Quba (Syria), as a symbolic gesture of solidarity with the people of the Middle East. Films include “For the Love of Carpets” (2024), “The Art Code – Chapter: Fabric” (2017), “Woven Sounds” (2023), and “Sacred Art – Weavers of Crete”.

Event Program