The Craft of 'mestres d'aixa' Pending Declaration as a Cultural Heritage Site

This Thursday, October 3, the Economy Commission of the Parliament approved most of the points of an initiative for the recognition of the 'mestres d'aixa', although the request to declare the craft a Cultural Heritage Site (BIC) will be debated and voted in the plenary session after ending in a tie.

It has received unanimous support from the members of the Commission to urge the Government, along with the insular councils, to open a specific line of financing for those dedicated to this craft and to promote training programs on construction and repair of wooden boats.

The point that asked institutions with authority over state and regional ownership to guarantee reserved space for historic boats and those built with wood in the traditional manner like the llaüts or the Menorcan boats will also have to be voted on again in the plenary.

Under the proposal, the Parliament also requests the Balearic Port Authority (APB), the City Council of Ibiza, and the Council of Ibiza to continue with the execution of the Sea Museum project, dedicating a part of the dock of the old port of the city of Ibiza for the mooring of historic boats, and for those built with wood in a traditional manner like the llaüts.

Regarding this initiative, the deputy from PSIB Marco Antonio Guerrero emphasized that the craft of the 'mestres d'aixa' has been fundamental for the social and economic life of the Islands.

These artisans have built and maintained vessels vital for fishing communities throughout the centuries. "Each vessel was a symbol of identity and social cohesion, and when launched to sea, the entire town participated in the celebration," the deputy recalled.

Guerrero highlighted the importance of reactivating the Sea Museum project in Ibiza's old port, an initiative that was driven by the Government during the 2015-2019 legislature and is currently still under construction, accumulating considerable delays.

The PSIB deputy argued that this museum would be a space where 'mestres d'aixa' could share their knowledge, restore historic vessels, and ultimately ensure the continuity of this craft. "We cannot allow such a relevant project to be halted," he concluded.