Ramajería

Ramajería is a traditional craft and cultural practice focused on the preparation and arrangement of ramaje, the branches, foliage and flexible plant materials used in religious and festive contexts. The term combines ramaje with -ería, a suffix indicating a craft or activity, and is used in several Spanish-speaking communities to describe both objects and the processes of making them.

Practices commonly include weaving and braiding palm fronds, willow twigs, reed and other local materials into garlands, wreaths, arches and decorative bindings. Typical products are processional palm fronds for Holy Week, altar decorations, seasonal garlands and small crafts sold in markets. Techniques emphasize durability, flexibility and sustainable harvesting.

Ramajería holds cultural significance as a link to liturgical calendars, harvest celebrations and family traditions. In many regions, workshops teach younger generations; markets and fairs feature ramaje products; and rites surrounding the use, blessing, and disposal of ramaje accompany seasonal events.

Geographically, ramajería practices occur in parts of Spain and in Latin America, including Mexico, Colombia and Peru, with regional variations in flora, motifs and methods. The practice has faced modernization and competition from synthetic decorations but has experienced renewed interest as part of intangible cultural heritage in several communities.