Unlike monuments or historic sites, “intangible cultural heritage” refers to living practices – traditions, skills, rituals, music, crafts and social customs that communities pass down from one generation to the next.
Through its lists, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) works with governments and communities to promote these traditions, strengthen their transmission and mobilize support to ensure their survival, particularly where they are threatened by social, economic or environmental change.
Traditions that urgently need to be saved
This year, several elements have been added to the List of intangible cultural heritage in need of urgent safeguardingwhich recognizes practices facing serious risks of disappearance.
Boreendo, Bhorindo: ancient dying folk musical instrument, its melodies, knowledge and skills in Pakistan
In VietnamĐông Hồ folk woodblock printing art – known for its colorful hand-printed scenes of daily life, history and worship – has been recognized for its entirely manual process using carved wooden blocks, natural pigments and special paper coated with scallop powder. Once widespread, the tradition is now in decline.
The Mwazindika spiritual dance of the Daida community in Kenya was also registered. The practice combines dance, rituals, music and storytelling to promote healing, protection and spiritual balance during rites of passage, harvests and times of crisis.
Other newly saved traditions include PakistanThe Boreendo clay musical instrument, Panamatechniques for building quincha terracotta houses, ParaguayÑai’ũpo ceramic crafts, the Philippines” Asin Tibuok labor-intensive artisanal sea salt, Portugalthe wooden moliceiro boats, the Kobyz stringed instrument Uzbekistan, AlbaniaThe epic song of Lahuta, the cultural traditions of the landships Barbadosand the Negliubka textile tradition of Belarus.
A living heritage celebrated around the world
UNESCO also added new elements to the Representative list of the intangible cultural heritage of humanitywhich highlights traditions that embody cultural diversity and human creativity.
Construction process of the quincha house and junta de embarre / embarra in Panama
Among the inscriptions is the Bisht, a male ceremonial garment worn in several Middle Eastern countries, including Qatar, Iraq, Jordan and the United Arab Emiratessymbolizing respect and social status during major life events.
In VenezuelaJoropo, a living tradition blending music, poetry and dance shaped by indigenous, African and European influences, has been recognized for its central role in festivals and community life.
BoliviaFeast of the Virgin of Guadalupe in Sucre, ArgentinaCuarteto’s energetic genre of dance music, Tangail saree weaving in BangladeshBehzad style miniature art associated with Afghanistan, Belgian rod puppet theater, BelizeBram and Sambai Christmas celebrations, Bulgarian bagpipe traditions and Zaffa wedding procession in parts of Africa and the Middle East have also been added.
The practice of making Asin Tibuok, the artisanal sea salt of the Boholano people of Bohol Island, Philippines
Publicado anteriormente en Almouwatin.
