The Committee,
- Takes note that Spain has nominated the chant of the Sybil on Majorca for inscription on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, described as follows:
The chant of the Sybil is performed at matins on the night of 24 December in churches throughout Majorca. The chant marks the annual Christmas Vigil, and is sung by a boy or girl accompanied by two or more altar boys or girls. During the chant they walk through the church towards the chancel, the singer carrying a sword in his or her hands, held upright in front of the face, while the altar boys or girls carry candles. At the end of the song a cross is drawn in the air with the sword. The versions of the chant performed on the island vary little from their Gregorian roots: each is sung a cappella with music between the verses provided by an organ. The costume worn by the singers usually consists of a white or coloured tunic, sometimes embroidered around the neck and hem, and often worn with a cape. The head is covered with a cap of the same colour as the tunic. The rite involves all the church parishes on Majorca with old and young generations working side-by-side as singers, costume-makers, celebrants and other helpers, thus ensuring its transmission.
- Decides that, from the information provided in nomination file No. 00360, the chant of the Sybil on Majorca satisfies the criteria for inscription on the Representative List, as follows:
R.1: The chant of the Sybil, transmitted by local communities on Majorca from generation to generation, provides them with a strong feeling of identity and pride;
R.2: Inscription of the chant of the Sybil on the Representative List could contribute to the visibility and awareness of the intangible cultural heritage worldwide;
R.3: Numerous safeguarding measures are proposed, including documentation, research, awareness-raising and transmission, that can help to encourage the appreciation of the Sybil’s value and increase participation by the community;
R.4: The element was nominated with the cooperation and commitment of the communities who have given their free, prior and informed consent;
R.5: The chant of the Sybil on Majorca is inscribed in the Insular and State Register of Intangible Property of Cultural Interest.
- Inscribes the chant of the Sybil on Majorca on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.