I am Maryam, neggafa.

I was born in Madina Mayurqa (Palma de Mallorca) 40 years ago. My mother, a widower, moved away to Balansiya when I was still young. She taught me the craft of neggafa. I make sure brides have everything they need for engagement parties. The female relatives sing and dance at the home of the bride, bathe in the Hammam, painted with henna and dressing the clothes of the ceremony, jewelry and ornaments that I have provided. After the banquet held at the groom's home, after midnight the relatives of the groom go to the bride's house, they take a noisy procession of drums and horns and settle in at the family home, accompanied by the future mother and the immediate family. Finally the groom comes and lifts up the veil and receives the blessings of the family before closing the room. The party continues until dawn.