Do you know what the history of the waffle makers of Madrid is?

The waffle irons they were very popular characters of the Madrid tradition, especially during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. They were street vendors and with their famous catchphrases: «To the delicious cinnamon wafer for the baby and the baby!» or «Waffles of cinnamon and honey, which are delicious for the skin!», they tried to attract passersby to buy their tempting merchandise.

The first waffles

The truth is that the sweet has a pleasant taste and according to the documentation that is possessed it is believed that it began to be manufactured around the 9th century. At first it was sold at the door of the churches making it right there in portable charcoal ovens.

Over time they began to develop in bakeries, bakeries and buñolerías. They are prepared with a wheat dough that is baked without yeast and to which sugar and honey are added, and it is sprinkled with cinnamon. The originals are thin and flat, grooved by the mold that is used in its elaboration in the shape of a boat, hence the name. Later, they were also made in the form of a joint.

The trade

Little by little the sale of wafers became a profession within the confectionery that provided the economic support of some families. The waffle makers roamed the streets with their bass drum or waffle iron loaded on the back and a wicker basket where they carried the wafers. Generally, they went to places where there were crowds, such as fairs, markets, parties or busy streets.

His work uniform consisted of a striped blouse, a gorilla and some espadrilles, although some did not always wear this wardrobe. At Madrid parties, they did dress up and took off their chulapo suit.

The waffle makers had a roulette wheel on top for shoppers to spin and try their luck. It was a question of tossing a few coins upon payment, so that the client was entitled to a waffle in each throw unless the needle was placed on the nail, since then he lost everything he gained. If there were several who participated, the one who got the least number would have to pay for all the wafers.

Currently some waffle makers are seen at the festivities of the capital recalling what this trade was. This profession as of old does not last, but Julián Cañas, descendant of traditional waffle makers, keeps it in a way in its city ​​workshop, where They make these sweets by hand.