Putting down roots

XTANT takes place in Palma de Mallorca from 9–13 May

Those who have already attended an edition of XTANT in Palma de Mallorca will need little encouragement to make a return visit to this welcoming and inspiring textile event. XTANT has come to be known as a true celebration of the art in heritage crafts, and one that no real textile enthusiast can miss.

Each year the show adopts a different title; for the fifth edition, set for 9-13 May 2024, the leitmotif is ROOTS. The event’s two fearsomely dynamic organisers, Kavita Parmar and Marcella Echavarria, are keen to draw all possible meanings from the term. ‘Far from looking fondly at the past as an isolated article, the examination it undertakes seeks to understand roots for what they truly are,’ explains Echavarria. ‘Not just origins, but continuous parts of a living organism, of coming to a closer holistic understanding of ourselves as both “everything” and “forever”.

The theme will be explored through a series of events, including talks, workshops and exhibitions. ‘Fostering Roots’ is the title of one talk led by Li Edelkoort and Suzanne Sugg, and another is called ‘Modern Wisdom, Ancient Roots: Remigio Mestas’, featuring Shamji Bhai Vankar being interviewed by Kavita Parmar. The workshops are also set to be a primary point of attraction for visitors; ‘Bandhani’ with Maestro Abdullah Khatri, ‘Weaving from Waste’ with Maria Sigma and ‘Nuno Silk’ with Laurine Malengreau are particular highlights.

As with the 2023 iteration, the event will take over several heritage patios throughout the heart of the historic and beautiful streets of Palma de Mallorca. Last year, there were a series of textile exhibitions, an interactive 3D textile weaving, and the main event where many makers were showing work.

XTANT aims to inspire new generations to value sustainability, personal identity, tradition and responsible consumption over commercial tendencies based on unbridled consumption. Parmar says, ‘The event offers many moments of reflection and communion with the unique, the beautiful and the long-lasting.’ With enriching conversations, workshops, meetings and rituals, XTANT’s community values foster a sense of togetherness and purpose in the fight for keeping textile traditions alive and promoting responsible making.