In Puerto Rico, judges don’t just wear robes—they wear history.

To complete their official attire, judges across the island travel to a small town in the northwest called Moca, known as the Capital of Mundillo. There, they purchase a unique type of handmade bobbin lace called "mundillo"—a word used only in Puerto Rico to describe this intricate thread-weaving tradition.

The "mundillo" lace is delicately sewn onto both sleeves of the judicial robe, running from the wrist to the elbow. It’s crafted from fine white cotton thread, woven to precise measurements of width and length. These elegant lace cuffs are more than just ornamental—they carry deep cultural and symbolic meaning.

When you spot a Puerto Rican judge in full robes, take a closer look at their forearms. What you're seeing is a piece of living heritage: lace handwoven by a "mundillera", or lace artisan, from Moca.

Spain Heritage

This tradition traces its roots back to Spain, where lace on the cuffs of a judge’s robe signaled their rank within the judiciary. In fact, in Spain, the cuffs are still called "puñetas" or "vuelillos". Historically, many of these lace pieces were made by women incarcerated in the La Galera prison. Puerto Rico inherited this custom, and over time, made it its own. Here, the lace cuffs are affectionately known as las "puñetas del juez"—the judge’s lace.

From colonial roots to courtrooms, mundillo represents a blend of artistry, identity, and respect for tradition. And in Moca, that legacy continues—thread by thread.

The design

The "mundillo" lace worn by Puerto Rican judges isn’t just traditional—it’s also symbolic. The design of the lace often reflects the rank and role of the wearer. For instance, male judges typically wear simpler patterns, while female judges often choose more elaborate, decorative designs.

Judges of the Supreme Court of Puerto Rico have the most intricate and wide-ranging mundillo. In fact, the Chief Justice is the only one whose lace extends completely from the wrist to the elbow—a distinctive hallmark of leadership.

Despite these differences, there is no official or standardized design. Each set of "puñetas del juez" (judge’s lace cuffs) is unique, a handmade expression of artistry and tradition. All across Puerto Rico, judges proudly wear robes adorned with lace woven by the skilled "mundilleras" of Moca—women who carry on this time-honored craft.

Despite these differences, there is no official or standardized design. Each set of "puñetas del juez" (judge’s lace cuffs) is unique, a handmade expression of artistry and tradition. All across Puerto Rico, judges proudly wear robes adorned with lace woven by the skilled "mundilleras" of Moca—women who carry on this time-honored craft.

Whenever a judge is promoted, they must purchase a new set of lace that reflects their updated status. The cost depends on the pattern, the type of thread, and the complexity of the weave. For reference, a pair measuring 8 inches wide by 18 inches long costs around $350. But the price doesn’t tell the full story—these pieces can take months to create. Imagine the time and effort required to hand-weave lace that spans the entire forearm, from wrist to elbow. With only a few expert weavers remaining, judges often need to obtain their "puñetas" through resellers.

The Bobbin Lace Museum

To better understand this craft, head to the Bobbin Lace Museum (Museo del Mundillo) in Moca, which houses the largest collection of mundillo lace patterns in Puerto Rico. Thousands of traditional "picados" (paper patterns used for lace design) are preserved here—including the one used in the elaborate gown worn by Miss Universe 2014.

The museum itself is a love letter from a son to his mother. It was founded by Benito “Mocay” Hernández Vale in honor of his mother, Julia Vale Méndez, a lifelong "mundillera". His goal: to preserve and celebrate the delicate art she devoted her life to. The museum officially opened on July 25, 2005, and continues to serve as the cultural heart of Moca’s lace-making tradition.

The Mundillo Experience

Mundillo lace is visually stunning. Whether it graces a judge’s robe, a baby’s dress, or a christening gown, its delicate beauty always draws smiles. But creating it requires more than talent—it takes patience, precision, and passion.

If you’d like to experience this cultural treasure firsthand, visit the Bobbin Lace Museum for a free guided tour, available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 12 noon. For group reservations, call (787) 877-3815. Donations help keep this important cultural center open and thriving.

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