Sa burra and vertical looms as shared European heritage
Two traditions,
a growing relationship.
From 18 to 20 September 2026 Sarule welcomed the Alcaraz delegation for the first transnational event of TWIN LOOMS. During Autunno in Barbagia – Cortes Apertas, institutional dialogue was woven together with workshop visits, loom demonstrations and exchanges with the community.
At the heart of the exchange were sa burra from Sarule and the Alfombras de Alcaraz: materials, techniques and decorative motifs, alongside the social value of craftsmanship and the transmission of knowledge between generations.
The initiative is coordinated by the Municipality of Sarule, with the Ayuntamiento de Alcaraz as associated partner and the support of Focus Europe ETS. The Mayor of Sarule, Maurizio Sirca, strongly championed this twinning initiative to promote local heritage and build lasting cooperation between the two towns.
The three days
18 September · Welcome
Discovering community life.
The Alcaraz delegation arrived in the evening and was welcomed by municipal representatives and the community. Participation in A Diosa Fest introduced the guests to Sarule’s musical and cultural heritage, encouraging their first encounters with citizens and associations.
19 September · Twinning in practice
From the institutional meeting to the loom.
The official reception brought together representatives of both municipalities and other local authorities, with presentations of TWIN LOOMS and the CERV programme, institutional addresses and an exchange of gifts. Visits to craft spaces and live demonstrations enabled direct exchanges between Sarule’s weavers and Alcaraz participants on the techniques of sa burra, the loom known as alto lizo and nudo español.
20 September · Continuing cooperation
Taking the experience forward.
The final day included a meeting with the Prefect of Nuoro, Alessandra Nigro, and a working session on the outcomes of the exchange. Discussions linked textile heritage with European citizenship, inclusion and youth participation. The “From Sarule to Alcaraz” session launched preparations for the second event, the multilingual Toolkit and the future Twinning Charter.
What the meeting leaves behind
The first event established direct relationships between institutions and communities and an exchange of knowledge about textile traditions. The photographs, testimonies and observations collected provide a foundation for future project materials.
The partnership continues towards the meeting in Alcaraz and the preparation of the Twinning Charter. The multilingual Toolkit and the proposal for a European network of weaving towns are planned outcomes of the joint activities.
This account follows the Event Description Sheet for the first event. The report also describes operational adjustments to the original programme, relating to the delegation’s travel arrangements and integration with Cortes Apertas.
