The Plenary Session of the Consell de Mallorca has given final approval to the declaration of the traditional handmade production of neules calades as an Intangible Cultural Heritage Asset. The decision, adopted on Thursday, concludes the process launched last December to protect one of the most emblematic and deeply rooted traditions of the Mallorcan Christmas season.

The Vice President of the Consell de Mallorca and Councillor for Culture and Heritage, Antònia Roca, explained that this is the first file promoted by the Advisory Council for Intangible Cultural Heritage, an advisory body established in October 2024 to safeguard the island’s cultural expressions. Within this framework, protection procedures have also been initiated for other traditions, such as Mallorcan folk tales (rondalles) and the procession of the Beata celebrated in Santa Margalida, Valldemossa and Palma.

Roca emphasised that the recognition represents “a decisive step to ensure the continuity of a tradition that is an essential part of our collective identity”, highlighting the cultural significance of neules as a living link between generations.

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Mallorcan neules calades are officially recognised as Intangible Cultural Heritage. A Christmas campaign to promote the tradition

To mark the declaration and encourage public awareness, the Consell de Mallorca has launched a Christmas campaign under the slogan “A truly Mallorcan Christmas”, placing neules calades at the heart of a series of cultural and community-based activities.

Key initiatives include the decoration of landmark venues in Palma —such as La Misericòrdia, the Palau del Consell and the Teatre Principal— featuring specially designed pieces by renowned neules artisan Macià Tugores. In addition, 100,000 neules have been distributed to elderly care homes and day centres, reinforcing the tradition’s social and cultural significance.