Cuba Seeks World Heritage Designation for Cigar-Factory Readers

By Javier Otazu
Latin American Herald Tribune
From the "in case you missed it" file, I thought this article was interesting for its historical content - G.K.

HAVANA – They're called "cigar-factory readers" and for almost 150 years they have entertained the workers who hand-roll cigars in factories all over Cuba.

The Cuban government has suggested that these unique readers be designated as part of the world's Intangible Cultural Heritage that the U.N. Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization will vote on, together with another 110 candidates, at a the meeting to be held in Abu Dhabi beginning next Monday.

In medieval monasteries, a monk read from the Bible or other sacred texts to the brothers while they were having their meals. In the same way, cigar-factory readers stand on a platform and read to their co-workers, often for their education, though time is also allowed for horoscopes, sexology, novels and kitchen recipes.

Documents show that the custom began in December 1865 when a learned magnate called Nicolas de Azcarate decided to provide entertainment for the workers during their tedious job of hand-rolling cigars hour after hour, and at the same time teach them about progress and reformist ideas.

Cuba Seeks World Heritage Designation for Cigar-Factory Readers continues at laht.com...