The cluster receives recognition as a Leather Ambassador at the “Bajo la Piel” Fair in Ubrique.

From 21 to 23 May, Leather Cluster Barcelona took part in various institutional, professional and cultural activities at the “Bajo la Piel” Fair in Ubrique, a gathering that celebrates the tradition, innovation and culture linked to the leather sector.

The cluster’s participation was part of the twinning between Ubrique and Igualada, two cities with a strong leather-making tradition and an industrial legacy deeply tied to leatherwork. The event was attended by an institutional delegation from Igualada City Council, led by Mayor Marc Castells, reinforcing the city’s commitment to projecting its tanning heritage and to consolidating ties with other leading territories in the sector. This connection helped strengthen the links between Ubrique and Igualada and share experiences about the present and future of the leather industry.

During the visit, the Leather Cluster Barcelona delegation attended the official opening of the fair, presided over by Jorge Paradela, Regional Minister of Industry of the Government of Andalusia and José Mario Casillas, Mayor of Ubrique, as well as various cultural and gastronomic events organised in the town. During the opening ceremony, the Patacabra de Honor was also presented to Xavier Badia, of Curtidos Badia, in recognition of his career and contribution to the leather sector.

One of the highlights of the visit was the meeting at the MOVEX Foundation – Leather Technology Centre, where participants were able to learn first-hand about the work of this technology centre and share views on innovation, knowledge transfer and new opportunities for the industry. In this context, Leather Cluster Barcelona held a working meeting to advance shared initiatives such as the Behind Leather and 2D Life projects.

The fair also hosted a round table focused on the present and future of the leather sector, with the participation of MOVEX, Asopiel, the Ubrique School of Artisans, Raquel Camacho, director of La Gaspar, and Mònica Santamans, director of Leather Cluster Barcelona. The conversation provided an opportunity to reflect on the importance of training, craftsmanship, innovation and knowledge transfer as key elements to ensure the continuity and evolution of the sector.

One of the most special moments was the “Día del Petaquero” and “Embajadores de la Piel de Ubrique” ceremony, in which Leather Cluster Barcelona received recognition in the ambassadors category. This distinction reinforces the link between the leather ecosystems of Catalonia and Andalusia and acknowledges the cluster’s role in promoting, projecting and connecting the sector.

The visit also served to further strengthen the relationship between Igualada and Ubrique, with the twinning ceremony between the two cities and various popular cultural activities, such as the performance of the Moixiganguers d’Igualada and the participation of the Ubrique Municipal Music Band.

With this participation, Leather Cluster Barcelona reaffirms its commitment to promoting the knowledge, innovation, culture and talent linked to the leather industry. The meeting was an opportunity to share experiences, generate new connections and continue driving collaboration between territories that share the same sectoral identity and a forward-looking vision.

Leather Cluster Barcelona is a competitive cooperation environment that promotes cross-cutting, transformative strategic projects aimed at driving the ecosystem of the Catalan leather sector within the framework of Shared Value policies. The cluster is an accredited entity within the Catalonia Clusters programme and is supported by Acció.