Openwork wafers of Mallorca: What they are and why they are protected as an Intangible Cultural Heritage Asset

PalmThe Council of Mallorca has unanimously declared the preparation of the openwork wafers The traditional paper boats have been declared an Intangible Cultural Heritage Asset of Mallorca. The protection of these typical island Christmas decorations, made with white paper, was approved just before Christmas, when they are at their most popular and splendid. It is "the culmination of a process" that began a year ago, when the Heritage Commission unanimously approved the safeguarding proposal, explained the First Vice President of the island institution and also Councilor for Culture and Heritage, Antònia Roca. The file concerning the openwork paper boats was the first processed by the Advisory Council for Intangible Cultural Heritage, which was created last year by the Council of Mallorca with the aim of protecting and safeguarding the island's traditions and cultural expressions. For his part, the President of the Council of Mallorca affirmed that protecting this element "was a commitment of the governing team." Along the same lines, Roca justified the initiative, asserting that the wafers "are much more than decorations; they are culture, they are heritage, and they are a link between generations."

What are openwork wafers?

What exactly are "barquillos calados," this centuries-old cultural expression found in traditional Mallorcan decorations, and why is their protection and preservation important? They are a typical Mallorcan Christmas decoration made of white paper, characterized by their detailed cutouts that form traditional designs and symbols such as stars, angels, and floral motifs. In the past, they were placed on the ceilings and trees of Mallorcan churches and homes during Christmas, creating a special atmosphere full of light and spirituality. The most common motifs included in this artistic expression are stars, angels, and Christmas flowers, among others. The importance of protecting "barquillos calados" lies in the fact that they represent an element to which Mallorcan society attributes significant symbolic value, closely associated with Advent and Christmas. They decorate almost all religious buildings, as well as the ceilings of nativity scenes, and are increasingly present in other types of spaces, such as private homes, shops, and public spaces. Openwork wafers have not been the subject of monographic studies, but they are present throughout the literature on local traditions and festivals. They appear in the works of a large group of writers and poets such as Ramon Llull, Antoni Maria Alcover, Pedro de Alcántara Peña, and Maria Antònia Salvà, as well as in folk songs, popular proverbs, and some local recipes.