Jan 03, 2026
3 min read
By 2026, Braille will be a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage
Spain has joined France, Germany and other European countries in applying for the World Heritage site.
Every January 4th, which coincides with the birth of Louis Braille, is World Braille Day, a reading and writing system used by blind and partially sighted people in their daily lives that allows them to function completely autonomously in their daily lives.After 200 years since its creation last year, Braille will be declared an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2026, a guarantee for the 285 million blind people in the world, proving that its use and application in public space makes a big difference.
During 2025, the public group asked the government to declare Braille as intangible cultural heritage, whose file is initiated by the Ministry of Culture to "declare the use of the Braille system of reading and writing in Spanish languages" as a representative manifestation of intangible cultural heritage.In the ministry's resolution, which has already been published in the Official State Gazette (BOE), its designation is defended "because of the way the blind community perceives, protects and transmits it, forming part of its collective experience and memory."
The petition, following in the footsteps of countries such as France and Germany, defends the relevance of Braille (opens new window) because "it goes beyond mere functionality and becomes a key element for the exercise of cultural rights and the consolidation of an important intangible heritage."
According to Imelda Fernandez, Vice President of the Social Group, "The Spanish Ministry of Culture declares Braille as an intangible cultural asset, which not only reinforces the intrinsic value of this system of reading and writing for the blind, but also serves to protect, promote and further advance the rights of the blind to brief education, the right to education, access to information, the right to education, access to it."Law 10/2015 dated May 26, 2015 on the protection of intangible cultural heritage.
Braille, a world heritage
The application file has the approval of the Autonomous Communities and, after information from the Council of Historic Heritage, the Absolute and Autonomous Universities of Madrid and the Directorate of Cultural Heritage and Fine Arts, it will be approved by the Cabinet in 2026.
"After that, Spain will join other countries that have already agreed to the declaration, such as France and Germany, there is something that cuts the whole house, it is something that cuts the whole house," defended Immelda Fernandez.
braille, a life partner
Braille learning is guaranteed at all stages of life, from preschool to adulthood.Literacy of blind students is ensured by educational support teams (opens a new window).While braille promoters specialize in adults, especially people with sudden blindness, for whom braille is a great ally in key aspects of daily life, such as keeping them calm, reading medications or labeling products in the kitchen or in the pantry.In 2025, he released the podcast "Braille: 200 Years of Opening Doors (Opens a New Window)" to make his teaching visible to adults.
"Braille has no age. It is important for all those who need it to know, because it gives us access to products, goods, services, gives you security and independence which is very important," concluded Imelda Fernández.
Braille labels, pending issue
Aware that its presence must be more visible in all sectors to protect the rights of consumers and users, the government adopted and applied Law 4/2022, which requires the incorporation of Braille in the labeling of consumer products and goods.But its control, provided by royal decree with the participation of the social structure, was not liked in Europe.
After analyzing the project, the European Commission, with the support of Italy, Portugal, Hungary and Denmark, claims that the Spanish model would contradict the principle of free movement of goods and threaten the single market by establishing specific and mandatory labeling requirements for national markets.This requires a reform that is already underway: "This is what keeps us on par with other types of customers, because we are trying to achieve it despite the difficulties in Europe," adds Carmen Bajari, director of the ONCE bibliographic service.
World Braille Day
In 2019, the UN declared World Braille Day on February 4, the birthday of Louis Braille (1809-1852), the creator of this reading system that is used today by 285 million blind people worldwide.There are six dots that, with 64 combinations, are used to compose letters and numbers, write in any language, read sheet music or score chess games.
The use of Braille is encouraged so that members of the organization and other citizens can learn and benefit from this literacy code in all areas: education, culture, daily life, entertainment and many other areas.
Knowledge and use of Braille is already widespread in schools and universities, and can be found on food and drug packaging, elevator buttons, restaurant menus, etc.
Spanish Braille Commission
Created in 1984 by the Spanish Braille Commision (SBE), CRAs and the Royal Croll Parenter Actions, learn the different groups and groups of implementing this system in their system and activities.
During 2025, nearly 300 braille assessments were conducted, mostly on topics related to food, beverages, pharmaceuticals, games, or construction signage.Administrations also recommended ensuring accessible voting using a "braille package" for the blind.In addition, CBE was involved in working groups on the Braille Intangible Heritage Petition and contributions to the Braille Act.
He also took part in this world braille day by presenting a commemorative coupon.Five and a half million coupons will travel in Spain with the motto "Labeling in Braille giving dignity", emphasizing the importance of Braille's presence in every day for complete autonomy and participation of the blind and visually impaired in society.
