The councilor of the Ribeira Grande Municipal Chamber, Miguel Bernardo, attended the initial hours of the training. He welcomed the participants and highlighted the importance of initiatives that value traditional knowledge, the transmission of skills, and the preservation of the municipality's cultural and artisanal heritage.
Led by artisan Maria de Lurdes Gonçalves Melo Lindo, with over three decades of experience, the workshop provided participants with direct contact with the art of weaving, through the use of looms and the practical application of techniques and knowledge associated with this activity.
The theme aimed to highlight the historical and cultural importance of weaving in the Azores, a centuries-old practice that is part of the Region's identity and is present in various traditional manifestations, such as the creation of pieces and fabrics used in the costumes of folk groups from São Miguel. The activity values local raw materials, like linen, and preserves artisanal production techniques.
The work of Maria de Lurdes Gonçalves Melo Lindo, under the seal of the Azores Handicraft and Design Centre (CADA), exemplifies the continuity and valorization of regional craftsmanship, recognized for the quality and authenticity of her pieces.
InWaveLabs is part of the Ribeira Grande Business Incubator's activity plan for 2026. It is aimed at the general community, seeking to stimulate creativity, innovation, and the development of entrepreneurial skills through practical learning experiences.
In addition to acquiring new knowledge, the initiative aims to identify opportunities for the development of new products and businesses, while simultaneously promoting the preservation of traditional arts and crafts and their valorization as cultural and economic resources for the municipality of Ribeira Grande.
