Carpet Weaving

Chiprovtsi is well known in Bulgaria for it’s carpets. The rich culture and traditions surrounding weaving has great potential for increasing tourism and economic activity in the area. These carpets are significant for more reasons than economic development; they are important part of Bulgaria’s history. The carpets, which are believed to bring good luck and longevity to their owners, are hand woven with different figures and symbols. Each design has its own history and meaning and has been passed down through families and friends. Although abbreviated histories exist online and are quick to translate, I’ve been working on a more comprehensive explanation of the symbols with some women in town using a few old books museum. When I get it to a certain level, I’ll share. In the meantime, with a local weaver, I’ve organized two carpet weaving weekends for other PCVs to visit and learn about the carpets. Last weekend was the first one and tomorrow, the second begins.