From August 7 to 9, the town of Ierapetra on the southern coast of Crete will host the Weaving and Loom Festival—three days dedicated not only to the intricate craft of weaving, but also to everything it embodies: tradition, creativity, memory, and a sense of belonging.
The festival weaves past and future into a vibrant present. It invites locals and visitors alike to explore how this ancient practice continues to evolve while remaining deeply rooted in Cretan culture.
Events will take place at the Ierapetra Asia Minor Refugees Association and the 2nd Experimental Primary School. All activities are free and open to the public.
A Rich Tapestry of Events
A Celebration of Cretan Weaving
This vibrant exhibition showcases Crete’s textile heritage through traditional weavings, folk costumes, bridal trousseaus, and kilims. Rare archival photos and films offer a window into the lives of local weavers and their craft. Visitors can engage directly through live demonstrations, including the ceremonial “hanging of the warp,” hands-on weaving sessions, and advanced masterclasses led by skilled artisans.
Children’s Activities
The “My First Weaving” workshop introduces children to textile-making through guided play and creativity. With 20 small looms and hands-on educational games, children are encouraged to discover the power of handmade creation using simple materials.
Weaving as Living Art: Thought, Practice, and Provocation
At the heart of the festival is a reflection on weaving as a living art. It asks: How does this quiet craft endure today? What legacy have women passed down through generations? And how might the handmade speak to a new generation—and push back against the speed and sameness of mass production?
These themes will be explored at Saturday’s open discussion, Invisible Labor, Visible Art (August 9), where weavers, artists, and experts will discuss Crete’s role in preserving and reimagining textile heritage.
A Moonlit Celebration
The festival concludes on Saturday night with a stunning live performance in the small square outside the Asia Minor Association and the Ottoman mosque. Under the full August moon, the loom becomes a stage for ritual and art: a weaver at work, visuals projected onto nearby walls, performers dressed in woven garments, traditional Cretan music, songs of the loom, and contemporary dance interwoven into the scene.
