mantilla

A mantilla is a traditional Spanish veil worn by women, typically over the hair and shoulders. It is usually a square or rectangular piece of lace or lightweight fabric, often black for religious occasions, but can also be white or colored for weddings or festive wear. The mantilla is commonly worn over a decorative comb called a peineta, which lifts the veil into an elevated shape and keeps it away from the face.

Construction and style vary by region and occasion. Lace mantillas may be of Chantilly, Brussels, or guipure styles, featuring delicate patterns and scalloped edges. Some versions are long and flowing, while others are shorter and more opaque. Worn with a matching dress or shawl, the mantilla forms part of traditional Spanish attire and is also associated with flamenco and regional festivals.

Regional and historical context. The mantilla is strongly linked to Spain, particularly Andalusia, and to Catholic religious practice. It is commonly seen in church services, Holy Week processions, and at bullfights, where it is paired with formal dress. Through Spanish colonial ties, similar veils spread to Latin American countries such as Mexico, Colombia, and Peru, where they appear in religious ceremonies, weddings, and folkloric costumes.

Modern use. While less common in everyday fashion, the mantilla remains a symbol of cultural heritage and tradition in Spain and parts of Latin America. It is valued for its craftsmanship, historical associations, and aesthetic role in ceremonial and theatrical contexts. Etymology traces to the Spanish mantilla, from Latin mantellum.