Intangible Cultural Heritage Committee 2023
The eighteenth session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage will take place at the Cresta Mowana Resort in Kasane, Republic of Botswana from Monday 4 to Saturday 9 December 2023.
Webcast of the 18th session of the Intergovernmental Committee
We have come together to celebrate the incredible richness of humanity’s intangible cultural heritage, and to reaffirm its power for social cohesion, human dignity and peace (...) This session of the Committee takes place under the overall umbrella of the twentieth anniversary of the 2003 Convention, and therefore each item offers us an opportunity to reflect on all that has been achieved in the past twenty years, and all that still remains to be pursued.
Traditional Syrian glassblowing
Syrian Arab Republic
Traditional Syrian glassblowing is the craft of creating glass objects using pieces of waste glass. Practiced mostly in Damascus, it is characterized by the white, blue, green and crimson colours used, as well as the painted gold motifs. Cultural symbols, such as the hand of Fatima, are often painted or engraved on the glass. Transmitted informally in workshops, it is a source of livelihood for artisans. It also contributes to a sense of continuity and belonging and is associated with social, spiritual and historical spaces.
Traditional knowledge, methods and practices concerning olive cultivation
Türkiye
In Türkiye, olive cultivation refers to grafting, pruning and fertilizing wild olive trees, called delice, and to picking, harvesting and processing the olives. Several rituals, festivals and social practices mark the beginning and end of the harvest season. Transmitted within families and villages, the practices concerning olive cultivation enhance solidarity, cooperation and harmony within the community. The element also contributes to environmental sustainability efforts and plays an important role in maintaining social and cultural identity, particularly in rural areas.
Xeedho
Djibouti
Xeedho is a dish given by a mother-in-law to her son-in-law to celebrate the first week of her daughter’s marriage. It consists of a container with pieces of dried dromedary meat. The container is wrapped and decorated, then covered with traditional fabrics symbolizing women’s clothes. An integral part of Djibouti wedding ceremonies, the ritual of making xeedho is transmitted informally from women to girls. It strengthens social ties and represents a commitment on the honour of the bride and her family.
Mek Mulung
Malaysia
Mek Mulung is a traditional Malaysian performance involving acting, singing and dancing. The performance takes place in an open barn, with the spectators surrounding the performers. The actors are all men, some of whom wear women’s clothes for the female roles. Mek Mulung is transmitted within families and through educational institutions, workshops and festivals. Initially performed as a celebration and an expression of gratitude following a good harvest, it is viewed as a means of promoting lively social interaction and dialogue.
Ingoma Ya Mapiko
Mozambique
The mapiko dance is a celebratory dance practiced by the Makonde people of Mozambique. It is performed in an enclosure, with dancers, musicians and the public coming together to celebrate the traditional rite of passage from puberty to adulthood. Mapiko is transmitted during initiation rites. It symbolizes human spirit, harmony with the cosmos, and the fight between good and evil. It is also viewed as a means of restoring balance between the masculine and the feminine and transmitting ancestral values, beliefs and customs.
Ancestral and traditional techniques for the elaboration of the ‘Poncho Para’i de 60 Listas’, from the city of Piribebuy, Republic of Paraguay
Paraguay
The Poncho Para’í de 60 Listas de Piribebuy is a handmade garment from Paraguay consisting of three parts: the body, the fringes and the ‘fajita’, or guard. Each part entails different crafting procedures which are carried out collaboratively by women weavers. Historically, the ancestral techniques, which were first used by the native peoples, have been transmitted from mothers to daughters orally. The garment is a symbol of unity and identity and is recognized nationally for its design and originality.
Rotterdam Summer Carnival
Netherlands
The Rotterdam Summer Carnival is a multicultural celebration that unites participants from the Caribbean and European Netherlands, as well as ethnic minority groups from Central and South America and Africa living in the Netherlands. It includes a street parade, a brass band competition and a festival market featuring Caribbean food. Transmitted informally, the carnival is tied to people’s cultural roots and their emancipation, bolstering individuality and self-worth. By uniting groups of different backgrounds, it also fosters respect for diverse cultural traditions, promoting dialogue and social cohesion.
Traditional knowledge and skills of production of the atlas and adras fabrics
Tajikistan
Atlas and adras are two kinds of traditional woven fabrics produced in Tajikistan. Atlas is made from silk threads, and adras is woven with silk and cotton threads, but the technique of creating both cloths is similar. Dresses prepared from atlas and adras are widely used by women and girls during celebrations, in the workplace, in schools and at home. The practice promotes unity and collaboration among people from different regions and is transmitted within families, in schools and through festivals.
Sango Festival, Oyo
Nigeria
In Nigeria, the annual Sango Festival of Oyo marks the beginning of the Yoruba Traditional New Year in August. The ten-day festival is connected to the social, religious, cultural and political institutions of the Oyo State. It encompasses different rites and involves chanting, storytelling, drumming and dancing. The practice is transmitted informally, through observation and imitation. However, magical crafts and rites are transmitted through apprenticeships. The Oyo community views the practice as an expression of shared identity and as a means of reconnecting with their ancestor, Sango.
Dabkeh, traditional dance in Palestine
Palestine
Dabkeh is a group dance in Palestine that is accompanied by traditional wind instruments and popular singing. A means of expressing cultural identity, celebrating family occasions and increasing social ties, the dance is performed during festivals, celebrations and events such as weddings and graduations. Dabkeh and its accompanying arts and crafts are transmitted through informal training and by participating in social celebrations. It is also transmitted through summer vacation activities, in schools and universities, and through audiovisual media and publications.
Aklan piña handloom weaving
Philippines
Piña is a textile made from pineapple leaf fibres and woven using a handloom. Farmers harvest the leaves of the pinya Bisaya and extract the fibres by hand. The knowledge and skills are primarily passed on within families. A strong identity marker, the piña is the preferred textile for making formal attire and is a vehicle for innovation and creativity. It is also a source of livelihood that contributes to sustainable development and to the social and economic empowerment of local communities.
Polonaise, traditional Polish dance
Poland
The polonaise is a joyful Polish dance, which can be enacted by a few to even several hundreds of pairs marching in procession, following a trajectory proposed by the first pair. The basic step involves bending one leg while taking a step forward with the other. Typically transmitted within families and local communities, the polonaise commemorates important moments in family and community life – such as high-school proms and New Year’s celebrations. It symbolizes cooperation and equality and promotes unity, solidarity and dialogue.
Procession and celebrations of Prophet Mohammed’s birthday in Sudan
Sudan
Al-Molid procession is a celebration of the Prophet Mohammed that takes place in Sudan, in the third month of the Islamic lunar calendar. During the parade, participants perform religious songs and ritual dances and recite Sufi prayers. The celebration unites people from different religions and culminates in al-Molid square, which serves as a meeting spot for people to chat, celebrate, entertain and enjoy cuisine from different parts of Sudan. Al-Molid is typically transmitted within families and dance circles and through participation in the events.
Alpine pasture season
Switzerland
In Switzerland, alpine pasture season refers to the period between May and October, when cattle, sheep and goats are driven to high-altitude pastures to take advantage of the extra forage. During this time, alpine farmers care for the animals, maintain the pastures and process the milk. Transmitted informally, the centuries-old practice contributes to the preservation of natural landscapes and creates economic and social ties between local populations and alpine farmers. It has given rise to a variety of practices, including rituals, competitions and local festivities.
Art of Akhal-Teke horse breeding and traditions of horses’ decoration
Turkmenistan
The Akhal-Teke is a breed of horses created in the territory of modern Turkmenistan and characterized by their large size, intelligence, agility, strength and shiny coat. There are many customs and traditions around Akhal-Teke horses, including naming rituals, horse beauty contests, and racing and riding games. Related knowledge and skills are passed on through formal and informal learning and include breeding and caring for horses and making the decorations. An important part of Turkmenistan’s historical and cultural identity, the element contributes to social cohesion.
Harees dish: know-how, skills and practices
Oman, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates
Harees is a popular traditional dish made with wheat grain, meat and ghee. Typically consumed at breakfast and dinner, it is served in large dishes that are shared by several people, and eaten using the thumb and forefinger while sitting on one knee. Harees is particularly popular during Ramadan, when honouring guests, and for social events. In the United Arab Emirates, Oman and Saudi Arabia, serving harees is viewed as a sign of hospitality and generosity. Transmitted informally, the practice promotes social connection and cultural affinity.
Transhumance, the seasonal droving of livestock [Extension]
Albania, Andorra, Austria, Croatia, France, Greece, Italy, Luxembourg, Romania, Spain
Each year, in spring and autumn, herders organise the movement, or transhumance, of thousands of animals along traditional pastoral paths. They move on foot or horseback, leading with their dogs and sometimes accompanied by their families. An ancestral practice, transhumance entails social practices and rituals related to the care, breeding and training of animals and the management of natural resources. Transmitted informally within families and communities, the practice strengthens cultural identity and ties between families, communities and territories while counteracting the effects of rural depopulation.
Sona, drawings and geometric figures on sand
Angola
Practised by the Lunda Cokwe and neighbouring peoples in eastern Angola, Sona is a form of expression that seeks to convey beliefs, thoughts and emotions through drawings and geometric figures on sand. The practice is passed on during initiation rites for youth who are preparing to assume social functions. It is a means of promoting cultural identity, creating and consolidating collective memory and enhancing a sense of belonging. It is also an opportunity to maintain and transmit indigenous knowledge.
Tradition of blacksmithing in Gyumri
Armenia
Blacksmithing, or the creation and repair of iron objects, has played a central role in the local identity of the city of Gyumri, Armenia for centuries. Inhabitants continue to preserve existing items – such as window lattices, gates, doors and chandeliers – made by old masters and to forge and use the iron products in their daily life. The practice is transmitted informally within families and is a key part of the city’s architectural identity. It is associated with the values of honesty, fair work and respect.
Traditional irrigation: knowledge, technique, and organization
Austria, Belgium, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Switzerland
Traditional irrigation uses gravity and hand-made constructions such as channels and ditches to distribute water from naturally-occurring water catchment points (such as springs, streams and glaciers) to the fields. Practitioners manually divert the water on specific days, and the beginning or end of the watering season is often accompanied by social gatherings and festivities. Transmitted informally, the practice has a specific vocabulary, and the knowledge and skills required (such as woodworking) can be applied to other aspects of the lives of bearers and communities.
Junkanoo
Bahamas
Junkanoo is a national cultural festival in The Bahamas. An outlet for creative expression, it is a celebration of unity, bringing together thousands of people of all ages and backgrounds in the creation of towering, colourful costumes with cardboard and crepe paper. Transmitted within families, Junkanoo is a celebration of creativity that refines the art of making beauty. It is incorporated into every major national event as a traditional cultural expression and fosters a sense of community pride, identity, spirituality and unity.
Bolero: identity, emotion and poetry turned into song
Cuba, Mexico
Bolero is an indispensable part of the Latin American sentimental song. It combines the language used in European poetry with African rhythms of enslaved peoples and the sentiments of the native peoples of the Americas. Lyrics allude to daily life, and the songs are performed in a variety of spaces, from households to festivals and large concert halls. The practice is passed down within families. As a strong cultural symbol for Cuban and Mexican societies, it is a means of expressing emotions and feelings.
Shuwalid festival
Ethiopia
Shuwalid is an annual three-day festival celebrated by the Harari people of Ethiopia. It marks the end of six days of fasting to compensate omissions during Ramadan. The celebration unites community members of all ages and genders and is passed on within families and by participating in the events. A platform for the transmission of performing arts, traditional dress and other cultural elements, Shuwalid promotes social cohesion and a sense of identity. It also supports the local community and artisans.
Traditional craft skills and arts of Al-Mudhif building
Iraq
Al-Mudhif is a large arched building made of reed and papyrus that serves as a community gathering place and a space for transmitting traditional knowledge, norms and customs. The structures are built by skilled workers and managed by tribal sheiks, but the entire community plays a part in the creation and maintenance of the space, such as by collecting the reeds and weaving the mats and rugs that are used as mattresses inside the building. The practice is transmitted informally, through observation and hands-on practice.
Arts, skills and practices associated with engraving on metals (gold, silver and copper)
Algeria, Egypt, Iraq, Mauritania, Morocco, Palestine, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Tunisia, Yemen
Engraving on metals such as gold, silver and copper is a practice that entails manually cutting words, symbols or geometric patterns into the surfaces of decorative, utilitarian, religious or ceremonial objects. The objects are often presented as traditional gifts or used in religious rituals and traditional and alternative medicine. Transmitted within families and through workshops, metal engraving and the use of engraved objects are a means of expressing the cultural, religious and geographical identity of the communities concerned.
Al-Man’ouché, an emblematic culinary practice in Lebanon
Lebanon
Al-Man’ouché is a flatbread prepared in homes and specialized bakeries, and enjoyed during breakfast by people of all backgrounds in Lebanon. While preparing the dough, the practitioners pray that it will rise, with Muslims reciting the beginning of Fatiha and Christians reciting prayers and making the sign of the cross. Transmitted informally, al-Man’ouché is a strong identifying factor. Its aroma evokes traditional morning gatherings, or sobhhiyé, key moments of social interaction. Its sale in small bakeries also contributes to local economic development.
Sodai straw garden making in Lithuania
Lithuania
Sodai straw gardens are hanging ornaments made from the stalks of grains. This practice involves the cultivation of grain (typically rye), the treatment of straw and the creation of geometric structures of varying sizes. The structures are then decorated with details symbolizing fertility and prosperity. Associated with well-being and spirituality, they are hung over cradles as well as wedding and family tables. Transmitted informally, the practice provides a sense of shared cultural heritage and continuity. It also strengthens communal partnerships and intergenerational bonds.
Hiragasy, a performing art of the Central Highlands of Madagascar
Madagascar
Hiragasy is a performing art composed of storytelling, song, dance and speech that originated in the central highlands of Madagascar. A source of national identity, the performance is present in all Malagasy festive and cultural events. It is transmitted informally within families and is viewed as a means of conveying morals, civic and cultural values and history. In rural areas, it is also a means of educating young people. Hiragasy promotes social cohesion and peace within families and communities.
Maltese Village Festa, an annual community celebration
Malta
The festa is a community event of religious origin held annually in village parishes across Malta and Gozo. Festa weeks entail concerts, band marches, firework displays and bell ringing. Typical festa food, such as nougat, is sold from street stalls. The practice is transmitted informally through participation in the preparation and events. Despite its increased secularisation, the festa remains an important part of cultural heritage in Maltese villages, uniting families, outsiders and local communities in a celebration of popular religiosity and local identities.
Mahadra, a community system for transmission of traditional knowledge and oral expressions
Mauritania
Mahadra, sometimes called ‘the university of the desert’, is a community framework for education and socialization in which traditional knowledge and literary expressions are transmitted. The classes take place under a tent, covered with mats or carpets and cushions on the floor. Open to everyone and a transmission system in and of itself, mahadra promotes socialization, communication, integration and social cohesion. It is also linked to the transmission of Mauritanian poetry and storytelling, providing a sense of continuity, belonging and shared cultural identity.
Songkran in Thailand, traditional Thai New Year festival
Thailand
In Thailand, Songkran refers to the sun’s annual passing into the Aries constellation, which marks the traditional start of the new year. Occurring in mid-April, it is a time when people reunite with their families and pay their respects to older adults, ancestors and sacred Buddha images. Pouring water is a significant act during Songkran, symbolizing cleansing, reverence and good fortune. Other activities include folk plays, games, music and feasting. Mainly passed on through participation in the festivities, Songkran promotes community cooperation, unity and forgiveness.
Art of illumination: Təzhib/Tazhib/Zarhalkori/Tezhip/Naqqoshlik
Azerbaijan, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Tajikistan, Türkiye, Uzbekistan
Illumination is a decorative art practised on the pages of manuscripts, calligraphic texts and miniatures. The main component is gold leaf or gold paint. It is transmitted through apprenticeships and through formal and non-formal education and is used to embellish religious texts, literary and historical manuscripts, marriage deeds and even commercial treaties. Illumination is closely tied to the beliefs and cultural practices of communities. It strengthens the sense of cultural continuity and contributes to the preservation of historical and cultural objects.
Iftar/Eftari/Iftar/Iftor and its socio-cultural traditions
Azerbaijan, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Türkiye, Uzbekistan
Iftar (also called Eftari, Iftar or Iftor) is observed by Muslims at sunset in the month of Ramadan, upon completion of all religious and ceremonial rites. It marks the daily termination of the hardships of fasting from dawn to sunset. It often takes the form of gatherings or meals, strengthening family and community ties and promoting charity, solidarity and social exchange. The practice is typically transmitted within families, and children and youth are often entrusted with preparing components of traditional meals.
Craftsmanship and performing art of balaban/mey
Azerbaijan, Türkiye
Balaban (in Azerbaijan) or Mey (in Türkiye) is a woodwind instrument commonly featured at folk festivities, weddings and concerts. The knowledge of crafting and playing Balaban is typically passed on within families and through apprenticeships. Balaban plays a significant role in the music cultures of Azerbaijan and Türkiye and is a vital part of the identity and collective memory of its musicians and craftspeople. It is also an important means of promoting solidarity, with people of all backgrounds participating in the performances.
Craftsmanship of mother of pearl inlay
Azerbaijan, Türkiye
Mother of pearl inlay is the practice of inserting mother of pearl pieces into wooden objects such as Koran cases, furniture and musical instruments. Geometrical, floral and calligraphic motifs are often used for embellishment. For craftspeople, the element represents a part of daily life and is a source of identity and pride. It is transmitted through apprenticeships and in universities, public education centres and workshops. Today, craftspeople also share their knowledge and skills online, thus strengthening social cohesion and cultural exchange.
Rickshaws and rickshaw painting in Dhaka
Bangladesh
In Dhaka, the rickshaw is a small, hand-made passenger vehicle that is pulled by one person. Ornate rickshaws are emblematic of urban life in Dhaka, resulting in exhibitions and festivities and often featuring in films and other artworks. The traditional process of fashioning and painting rickshaws is transmitted in workshops and within families, respectively. Rickshaws and rickshaw painting are viewed as a key part of the city’s cultural tradition and a dynamic form of urban folk art, providing inhabitants with a sense of shared identity and continuity.
Nguon, rituals of governance and associated expressions in the Bamoun community
Cameroon
Nguon refers to a series of rituals between the Mfon, or monarch, and his people. Aimed at promoting dialogue, harmony and peace, the rituals are observed by the Bamoun community of Cameroon’s West Region. The rituals are transmitted informally and include community consultations, a public ‘trial’ on the monarch’s governance, and popular celebrations. The Nguon rituals are seen as a source of social cohesion and resilience and as a means of upholding values such as accountability and humility.
Traditional skills of loincloth weaving in Côte d’Ivoire
Côte d’Ivoire
In Côte d’Ivoire, the traditional skills of loincloth weaving are characterised by the specific weaving techniques and raw materials used. Dyed cotton threads of various colours are woven in narrow strips on a hand loom designed by the weaver. The traditional skills are specific to each ethno-linguistic group (Gouro, Baoule, Malinke, Senufo, Koulango, Nafana and Abron) and reflect the social and cultural contexts of each community. These woven fabrics are cultural symbols that are generally used for traditional ceremonies such as weddings, celebrations and funerals.
Garba of Gujarat
India
Garba is a ritualistic and devotional dance that is performed on the occasion of the Hindu festival of Navaratri, which is dedicated to the worship of the feminine energy or ‘Shakti’. The practitioners and bearers are broad and inclusive, from the dancers to the musicians, social groups, craftspeople and religious figures involved in the festivities and preparations. Transmitted through practice and observation, Garba fosters equality by transcending socio-economic, gender and religious structures. It is inclusive of diverse and marginalized communities, thus strengthening social bonds.
Jamu wellness culture
Indonesia
Jamu is a form of herbal medicine and treatment that has been practised in Indonesia since the eighth century. It is based on the belief of curing hot diseases with medicines of a cold nature, and cold diseases with medicines of a hot nature, with a healthy condition being a balance between hot and cold elements in the body. The medicine is prepared using herbs and spices often planted by Jamu makers themselves. Transmitted informally, it is viewed as a means of strengthening social ties.
Sadeh/Sada celebration
Iran (Islamic Republic of), Tajikistan
Sadeh, or Sada, is an annual celebration to mark the day when farmlands are prepared for their next spring plantation and the end of the coldest winter days. It involves singing, dancing and praying around a fire, as well as offering blessings and dry or fresh fruits. Transmitted through participation, observation and storytelling, the practice unites people from different cultural, ethnic and religious backgrounds and provides an opportunity for peaceful interactions around agricultural and food traditions.
Elechek, Kyrgyz female headwear: traditional knowledge and rituals
Kyrgyzstan
Elechek is a traditional female headwear consisting of a hair cap and a very long piece of white fabric that is wrapped around the head like a turban and adorned with embroidery, ribbons and jewellery. The practice is an integral part of the traditional marriage ceremony in Kyrgyzstan, and the ritual of wrapping the bride’s first elechek is a rite of passage. Transmitted informally during wrapping ceremonies, the practice contributes to a shared cultural identity, strengthens intergenerational ties and promotes solidarity and empowerment.
Traditional craft of Naga motif weaving in Lao communities
Lao People’s Democratic Republic
The Naga is a mythical, serpent-like creature that lives in rivers. Lao people believe that Naga are ancestors that watch over them. Naga motifs are woven by hand using a traditional wooden loom. The motif is woven in silk, silk organza or cotton during the weaving process; it is neither embroidered nor printed. The practice is transmitted informally within families, and in vocational centres, cultural centres and universities. Textiles with the Naga motif are used in daily life, including for newborn blankets and ceremonies.
Traditional wooden boatbuilding in Carriacou and Petite Martinique
Grenada
Traditional wooden boatbuilding is a tradition practised in Carriacou and Petite Martinique in Grenada. The men, women and children in the boat-building communities each have specific roles and functions during each stage of the process, from building the boats to preparing the food for the launching celebration. The knowledge and skills are transmitted informally, through oral instruction and hands-on learning. The practice promotes camaraderie and social ties, as people gather around the construction site to observe and participate in the process and celebrate milestones.
Knowledge, craft and skills of handmade glass production
Czechia, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Spain
Traditional handmade glass production entails shaping and decorating hot and cold glass to produce hollow glass objects, flat glass and crown glass. The knowledge and skills are transmitted within families or through apprenticeships. Handmade glass production generates a strong sense of belonging and solidarity among practitioners due to the need to respect the previous steps performed by other glassmakers. The centuries-old practice has also shaped specific terminologies, festive cultures and religious functions that retain important cultural and social meanings to this day.
The practice of opera singing in Italy
Italy
Opera singing in Italy is a physiologically controlled way of singing that enhances the carrying power of the voice in acoustic spaces such as amphitheatres and churches. It is associated with specific facial expressions and body gestures and involves a combination of music, drama, acting and staging. Transmitted orally between a maestro and pupil, the practice promotes collective cohesion and sociocultural memory. It is a means of free expression and intergenerational dialogue, and its cultural value is recognized nationally and internationally.
Practices and meanings associated with the preparation and consumption of ceviche, an expression of Peruvian traditional cuisine
Peru
Ceviche is a traditional dish in Peru prepared with raw fish marinated in lemon. As recipes vary from one region to the next, the dish strengthens regional cultural identity. It is consumed on a daily basis and during celebrations, social gatherings and rituals. Ceviche can be made at home or sold in traditional spaces such as cevicherías. Generally transmitted within families, its preparation and consumption entail specific practices, knowledge and meanings at each stage, from fishing to cultivating the ingredients and preparing the dish.
Ceramic arts in Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan
Ceramic art is one of the oldest forms of applied art in Uzbekistan. The practice is used to create large household items, both glazed and unglazed, used in the everyday life of rural populations, such as large containers for storing food and water, tandoor ovens, jugs and toys. The practice is transmitted informally within families as well as community art circles, schools and events. A source of livelihood, Uzbek ceramic art also contributes to the enrichment of cultural diversity and human creativity.
Ch’utillos, the Festival of San Bartolomé and San Ignacio de Loyola, the meeting of cultures in Potosí
Bolivia (Plurinational State of)
Ch’utillos, or the Festival of San Bartolomé and San Ignacio de Loyola, is celebrated in Potosí, Bolivia in the month of August. An integral part of the local cultural identity, the festival is characterized by gastronomic fairs, dance performances and a procession to the sanctuary. Transmitted informally, the Ch’utillos festival is a symbol of faith and tradition and a part of the cultural heritage of the indigenous Q’ara Q’aras nation, marking the beginning of a new agricultural cycle, with offerings to Pachamama (Mother Earth).
Malhun, a popular poetic and musical art
Morocco
Malhun is a popular form of poetic expression in Morocco. It combines song, theatrics, metaphor and symbolism in accessible language and a festive atmosphere, thus uniting all Moroccans, regardless of religion. The practice is transmitted informally as well as through organizations, music conservatories and publications. It is performed in many spaces, from family gatherings to large performance halls and malhun festivals. As a collective art form, it promotes social cohesion and creativity while serving as a historical record of social issues throughout the centuries.
Midwifery: knowledge, skills and practices
Colombia, Cyprus, Germany, Kyrgyzstan, Luxembourg, Nigeria, Slovenia, Togo
Midwives are companions and supporters of pregnant women and their families before, during and after birth. Based on evidence-based practices and traditional knowledge, skills and techniques, midwifery varies according to the social, cultural and natural contexts of different communities and countries. It entails specific cultural practices, vocabulary, celebrations and rituals. The related knowledge and skills are transmitted through oral instruction, observation, participation and peer exchange, especially within networks of women. In many countries, the practice requires certification and is transmitted through formal education.
Safeguarding foster care heritage in the merciful city of Geel: a community-based care model
Belgium
Geel, Belgium is known for its tradition of hosting people with mental disorders in the homes of foster families. This tradition is challenged by changes in modern society and mental health care. To respond to these challenges, local organizations and councils work together on a multi-layered safeguarding programme aimed at, transmitting and researching the practice and cultivating a caring ecosystem. The programme is an inexpensive model that leverages existing community assets and generates strong health outcomes for the mentally ill.
Nyckelharpa network, an innovative dissemination of a music and instrument-building tradition with roots in Sweden
Sweden
The nyckelharpa is a traditional bowed instrument originating in northern Uppland in Sweden. Over time, interest in the nyckelharpa waned but the traditions were maintained by amateur and professional builders and musicians. They established the nyckelharpa network, which is characterized by the exchange of knowledge among builders, musicians, researchers and other stakeholders. The informal model has enabled the spread and use of an almost extinct instrument. It can be applied to other forms of crafts in other parts of the world.
ICH safeguarding practices program for the cultural and ecologic Sea Turtle Festival of Armila
Panama
To strengthen oral traditions, artisanal practices and ritual expressions, dances and music associated with nature, local authorities and the Guna communities of Armila, Panama implement a safeguarding programme centred around the organization of an educational festival. The event coincides with the arrival of the leatherback turtles, a key element of local narratives. The programme, which is based on the inclusion of educational elements within cultural festivals, has led to the revival of oral traditions. It has influenced festivals throughout Panama and can be adapted to other countries.
Program for the safeguarding of the Bandos and Parrandas of the Holy Innocents of Caucagua: nuclei of initiation and transmission of wisdoms and community councils
Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of)
The Bandos and Parrandas of the Holy Innocents of Caucagua, Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, refers to street celebrations that take place in December. A safeguarding programme was developed to address its decreasing transmission through the establishment of two structures, nuclei and community councils, to strengthen oral transmission and develop safeguarding plans and projects, respectively. The programme has revitalized the festivity and helped safeguard living heritage through activities such as trainings and community research. Its bottom-up approach emphasizes youth participation, intergenerational exchange and collaboration with national institutions.
Awareness raising on the importance of the UNESCO 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage among traditional leadership and local communities in Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe
To be implemented by the Ministry of Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation, this two-year project aims to raise awareness of intangible cultural heritage safeguarding among traditional leaders and local communities in Zimbabwe. It involves translating a summary of the 2003 Convention into local languages, establishing an information centre and organizing awareness-raising seminars. The project is expected to result in the creation of an intangible cultural heritage policy, to increase financial and human resources for safeguarding efforts, and to support community initiatives.
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