About
Itauguá is a town in Paraguay, South America, known above all for its ñandutí lace. The name of this delicate textile, which takes its look from spider webs, is closely tied to the town, and visitors come to see how it is made and to take a piece home.
Watching the craft
Much of the appeal of Itauguá lies in the chance to see the work for yourself. Skilled artisans create the lace in their homes, and visitors can watch master craftspeople at work and see the fine, web-like patterns take shape by hand. Because the textiles are sold directly by their makers, a visit also means meeting the people behind the pieces.
What to expect
- Demonstrations of ñandutí lace-making in artisans' homes
- The chance to buy handmade textiles straight from their creators
- Colonial-style architecture around the town
- An annual ñandutí festival, which gives the town an especially lively focus
The lace has been designated as UNESCO cultural heritage, which gives the craft a wider standing beyond the town itself. For a visitor interested in traditional textiles and the people who keep them alive, Itauguá offers a quiet, personal kind of visit, centred on conversation, observation and careful purchase rather than sightseeing alone.
