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Date Published: 01/04/2024

Caravaca brand Peregrina espadrilles sells shoes for Holy Jubilee Year

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The Caravaca de la Cruz brand of espadrilles ‘Peregrinas’ has opened both physical and online shops for the Jubilee Year 2024

Coinciding with the celebration of the Jubilee Year 2024, ‘Peregrinas’, the official footwear brand of Caravaca de la Cruz, has opened a physical, brick-and-mortar shop in the northern Murcia municipality, as well as launching online sales through the new website www.peregrinasdecaravaca.es.

Located in the central Plaza del Arco, the physical shop hosts the first collection of Peregrinas espadrilles, known in Spanish as ‘alpargatas’, consisting of several models made by local companies in organic cotton fabric, with the traditional jute sole.

Peregrinas is another of the projects that has come to light in the framework of the Tourism Sustainability Plan ‘Camino a Caravaca’, promoting the town for the celebration of the holy pilgrimage year this year. It is the result of collaboration between the Caravaca Town Council, the Association of Footwear and Espadrille Industries of Northwest Murcia ‘Calzia’ and the Murcia creative studio ‘Paparajote’.

Town mayor, José Francisco García, was present at the grand opening of the physical shop, where he said, “We continue to create the Caravaca brand. This time we are doing it through a 100% handmade product, with a tradition of five centuries in our land, which represents a strategic economic sector for the municipality.”

The brand ‘Peregrinas’ was presented at the International Tourism Fair in Madrid (FITUR), where the Jubilee Year was the main attraction of the Region of Murcia, admired by the King and Queen of Spain themselves. Since then, it has been promoted at the most important international fairs in the tourist sector.

For the Peregrinas project, the idea is to take advantage of the current fashion trend for ‘alpargatas’ as an opportunity to position Caravaca de la Cruz as the national leader for production that, thanks to its unique name and a quality image that channels all promotional activities.

The development of the brand and the creation of the physical and online shop have received funding from the Tourism Sustainability Plan, which brings together some twenty projects endowed with more than four million European ‘Next Generation’ funds, from the Transformation and Resilience Recovery Plan. Other actions that have already materialised within the framework of this plan include the enhancement of the cellar of the Casa-Museo de los Caballos del Vino, the restoration of the Ermita de San Sebastián, the Pilgrim Welcome Centre, the creation of a large vertical garden and the mural on the legend of the apparition of the Vera Cruz.

The brand Peregrinas combines the simplicity of the traditional jute espadrille with a unique and identifiable design, bringing together the past, present and future of Caravaca. It also has a national and international vocation to be an ambassador of the pilgrimage routes and flag of the Region of Murcia beyond its borders, in the same way that other products such as wine already do, creating a quality seal that certifies the origin and authenticity of the espadrille.

The trade of the espadrille makers has been linked to the northwestern part of Murcia since at least the 16th century, as stated in the old municipal ordinances of this guild, and today there is a large and important group of companies that manufacture for fashion brands from all over the world, preserving their 100% handcrafted process.

Alpargatas or espadrilles, also known as esparteñas, were originally the footwear of peasants and workers, designed for rural life. Their durability and comfort made them ideal for long days in the countryside. The sole, made of esparto grass – a tough, flexible material obtained from local plants – provided a solid base, while the canvas upper ensured breathability and fit.

Artisans use age-old techniques to braid and hand-sew the esparto grass sole. The upper part, which can vary in materials from traditional canvas to more contemporary leathers, is meticulously attached to the sole, often adorned with embroidery or hand-painted details.

In an era where sustainability is crucial, Caravaca’s espadrilles stand out for their use of natural and biodegradable materials such as esparto grass and cotton, setting an example of eco-fashion. In addition, the inherent durability of these espadrilles means they have a longer lifespan, thus reducing waste.

Caravaca espadrilles have evolved to adapt to contemporary fashion trends. Designers have experimented with colours, patterns and shapes, transforming espadrilles into versatile footwear that transcends seasons and styles.

You can buy your own pair of Caravaca alpargatas at https://peregrinasdecaravaca.es/ or by visiting the shop in the town centre.