Intangible Cultural Heritage Committee 2024
An opening ceremony is scheduled on Sunday, 1 December 2024. The session will be chaired by H.E. Ms Nancy Ovelar de Gorostiaga, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary and Permanent Delegate of the Republic of Paraguay to UNESCO.
Webcast of the 19th session of the Intergovernmental Committee (in English)
The debates of the nineteenth session of the Intergovernmental Committee are also fully retransmitted online in:
With more than 700 inscriptions to date, this Convention has reinvented the very notion of heritage — to the extent that we can no longer separate the tangible from the intangible, the sites from the practices. It is our great responsibility to promote this heritage, which — far from being mere folklore, far from being frozen in time and distanced from today’s reality — is very much alive and needed.
Files 2024 Under Process
Below is the list of files being treated for the 2024 cycle that are to be examined by the Committee at its nineteenth session in November/December 2024.
Nominations for inscription on the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding:
- Botswana: Wosana ritual and associated practices
- Indonesia: Reog Ponorogo performing art
Nominations for inscription on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity:
- Afghanistan - Azerbaijan - India - Iran (Islamic Republic of) - Iraq - Kazakhstan - Kyrgyzstan - Uzbekistan - Pakistan - Tajikistan - Türkiye - Turkmenistan - Mongolia: Nawrouz, Novruz, Nowrouz, Nowrouz, Nawrouz, Nauryz, Nooruz, Nowruz, Navruz, Nevruz, Nowruz, Navruz
- Afghanistan - Islamic Republic of Iran - Tajikistan - Uzbekistan: Art of crafting and playing rubab/rabab
- Albania: K'cimi dancing of Tropoj?
- Algeria: The women’s ceremonial costume in the Eastern region of Algeria: knowledge and skills associated with the making and adornment of the ‘Gandoura’ and the ‘Melehfa’
- Azerbaijan: Tandir craftsmanship and bread baking in Azerbaijan
- Belarus: Vytsinanka, traditional art of paper cutting in Belarus
- Belgium - France: Funfair culture
- Bosnia and Herzegovina: Sevdalinka, traditional urban folk song
- Brazil: Traditional ways of making Artisan Minas Cheese in Minas Gerais
- Brunei Darussalam - Indonesia - Malaysia - Singapore - Thailand: Kebaya: knowledge, skills, traditions and practices
- Cambodia: Cultural practices and expressions linked to Krama, a traditional woven textile in Cambodia
- Cameroon: Ngondo, worship of water oracles and associated cultural traditions among the Sawa
- China: Spring festival, social practices of the Chinese people in celebration of traditional new year
- Colombia: Living pictures of Galeras, Sucre
- C?te d'Ivoire: Skills related to Attiéké production in C?te d’Ivoire
- Croatia - Cyprus - France - Greece - Italy - Slovenia - Spain - Switzerland - Andorra - Austria - Belgium - Ireland - Luxembourg: Art of dry stone construction, knowledge and techniques
- Cuba - Dominican Republic - Haiti - Honduras - Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of): Traditional knowledge and practices for the making and consumption of cassava bread
- Democratic People’s Republic of Korea: Custom of Korean costume: traditional knowledge, skills and social practices in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea
- Egypt - Saudi Arabia: Semsemiah: instrument crafting and playing
- Estonia: Cooking and eating Mulgi puder, traditional mashed potato with barley in the Mulgimaa region, Estonia
- Ethiopia - Djibouti - Somalia: Xeer Ciise: Oral customary laws of Somali-Issa communities in Ethiopia, Djibouti and Somalia
- France: Skills of Parisian zinc roofers and ornamentalists
- Ghana: Craftsmanship of traditional woven textile Kente
- Greece: Messosporitissa Festivity (All-holy Mother of God of the Mid-Sowing Season Festivity), Feast of Our Lady at the Ancient Ruins
- Grenada: Shakespeare Mas', a traditional component of Carriacou's annual carnival
- Guatemala: Technique of making the giant kites of Santiago Sacatepéquez and Sumpango, Guatemala
- Hungary: Csárdás dance tradition
- Jamaica: Pilgrimage to Watt Town
- Japan: Traditional knowledge and skills of sake-making with koji mold in Japan
- Kazakhstan: Betashar, traditional wedding ritual
- Lao People's Democratic Republic: Fonelamvonglao (lamvonglao)
- Malaysia: Breakfast culture in Malaysia: dining experience in a multi-ethnic society
- Mali - Burkina Faso - C?te d'Ivoire - Indonesia: Cultural practices and expressions linked to Balafon and Kolintang in Mali, Burkina Faso, C?te d'Ivoire and Indonesia
- Mauritania: The Epic of Samba Gueladio
- Mongolia: Mongol nomad migration and its associated practices
- Myanmar: Myanmar traditional New Year Atā Thingyan festival
- Nigeria: Durbar in Kano
- North Macedonia - Türkiye: Traditional bagpipe (Gayda/Tulum) making and
- Norway: Traditional costumes in Norway, craftsmanship and social practice
- Paraguay: Guarania, sound of Paraguayan soul
- Portugal: Equestrian art in Portugal
- Republic of Korea: Knowledge, beliefs and practices related to jang making in the Republic of Korea
- Rwanda: Intore
- Saudi Arabia: Cultural practices related to Taif roses
- Serbia: Na?ve painting practices of Kova?ica
- Spain: Asturian cider culture
- Spain - Italy: Manual bell ringing
- Palestine: Tradition of Nablusi soap making in Palestine
- Sweden - Norway: Summer farming at f?bod and seter: knowledge, traditions and practices related to the grazing of outlying lands and artisan food production
- Syrian Arab Republic: Craftsmanship of Aleppo Ghar soap
- Tajikistan - Islamic Republic of Iran: Ceremony of Mehregan
- Thailand: Tomyum Kung
- Tunisia: Performing arts among the Twāyef of Ghbonten
- Ukraine - Estonia: Pysanka, Ukrainian tradition and art of decorating eggs
- United Arab Emirates - Algeria - Bahrain - Egypt - Iraq - Jordan - Kuwait - Mauritania - Morocco - Oman - Palestine - Qatar - Saudi Arabia - Sudan - Tunisia - Yemen: Henna: rituals, aesthetic and social practices
- United Arab Emirates - Oman - Qatar - Saudi Arabia - Jordan: Arabic coffee, a symbol of generosity
- Viet Nam: Festival of Bà Chúa X? Goddess at Sam Mountain
- Zambia: Mangwengwe dance
Requests for transfer of elements from one list to the other:
- China: Qiang New Year festival
- China: Traditional design and practices for building Chinese wooden arch bridges
- China: Traditional Li textile techniques: spinning, dyeing, weaving and embroidering
Proposals to the Register of Good Safeguarding Practices:
- Oman: Oman Youth Sail Training Ship (Safinat Shabab Oman) programme for peace and sustainable cultural dialogue
- Slovakia: School of Crafts ??UV
- Ukraine: Safeguarding programme of kobza and wheel lyre tradition
Wosana ritual and associated practices
Botswana
Wosana is a rainmaking ritual that is observed by the Bakalanga community in the Northeast and Central Districts of Botswana. It is characterized by rituals, prayer, feasts, song and dance. It is a collaborative practice involving traditional leadership, distinct roles, and the participation of the entire community. The related knowledge and skills are transmitted through observation and mentoring, with new practitioners being sworn to secrecy regarding the sacred aspects of the practice.
Reog Ponorogo performing art
Indonesia
In Indonesia, Reog Ponorogo performing art is a centuries-old theatrical dance that is traditionally performed on various occasions, including disaster aversion ceremonies, weddings, holidays and public festivities. Dancers dress as kings and warriors to narrate the story of the Bantarangin Kingdom and its king. Reog is characterized by the Dadak Merak, a large mask resembling a tiger’s head with a peacock perched on top. For the Ponorogo community, the dance is a source of pride and an embodiment of cultural values.
Guarania, sound of Paraguayan soul
Paraguay
The Guarania is a musical genre originating in Paraguay in the early twentieth century. It uses the Guarani language, combining elements of native and popular music, and is often accompanied by the guitar and double bass. The genre is characterized by syncopated rhythms and a slow tempo that is inspired by the Paraguayan polka. A key part of the daily life of Paraguayans in the family and community environments, it is perceived as a symbol of resilience and Paraguayan values.
Equestrian art in Portugal
Portugal
Equestrian art in Portugal is characterized by the rider’s position on the saddle, as well as by the traditional attire and harnesses used. It is based on a sense of harmony and deep connection between rider and horse, with respect to the animal and its well-being. The practice requires a horse that is flexible and manageable, such as the purebred Lusitano. A source of collective identity, the practice is featured in pilgrimages, annual fairs and other social events.
Knowledge, beliefs and practices related to jang making in the Republic of Korea
Republic of Korea
Jang are fermented sauces – such as soybean paste, soy sauce and red chili paste – that form the basis of the Korean diet. Jang sauces can be paired with vegetables, fish and meat. They can also be used to preserve food. The recipes vary from one household to the next and are believed to embody each family’s history and traditions. For instance, some families store aged soy sauce for decades to keep the taste of the food constant over time.
Intore
Rwanda
Intore is a dance performed by a troupe in Rwanda. The dancers are arranged in lines representing the ranks of warriors on a battlefield. Through their movements, they mimic a battle with an invisible adversary, leaping and wielding their spears and shields to the rhythm of the traditional drums and horns. They are supported by songs and poems of triumph. An expression of power, the dance is at the centre of community events and festivities, including harvest festivals and the reception of distinguished guests.
Cultural practices related to Taif roses
Saudi Arabia
In the Taif region of Saudi Arabia, rose practices are an integral part of social and religious rituals and an important source of income. During the harvest season, which starts in March, farmers and their families pick the roses in the early morning and transport them to the local market to be sold or to their houses to be distilled. Communities use rose water and essential oil in beauty products, traditional medicine, food and drinks. Taif roses and rose water are also presented as gifts.
Na?ve painting practices of Kova?ica
Serbia
The na?ve painting practices of Kova?ica, Serbia refer to the tradition of painting and decorating objects with representations of folk life, rural environments, history and everyday life. Practitioners are self-taught and use oil paint in bright hues in their work. An identifying factor, the practice is a means of transmitting the cultural heritage and history of the Slovak community in Serbia. Exhibitions are also an opportunity for the community to socialize and share traditional food, costumes, customs, music and dances.
Tradition of Nablusi soap making in Palestine
Palestine
Nabulsi soap is a hand-crafted soap made in Palestine using three natural, local ingredients: olive oil, water and lye. Families work together to make the soap after the olive harvest, adding their stamp before packaging it and storing it for one year. A source of income, the tradition is shared by most families. The use of olive oil reflects people’s strong relation to nature, and many people use their homemade soap as a gift for celebrations such as weddings and birthdays.
Summer farming at f?bod and seter: knowledge, traditions and practices related to the grazing of outlying lands and artisan food production
Sweden, Norway
In Sweden and Norway, summer farming refers to the practice of moving livestock to outlying lands in late spring. It entails knowledge concerning animal husbandry and herding, dairy production, land management and handicrafts. It also involves herding calls, songs, storytelling and rituals. Summer farms may be private or collectively run, and some organize sustainable tourism and sell dairy products. The practice has inspired literature, performing and visual arts. It is a source of pride, continuity and identity for many Scandinavian societies.
Craftsmanship of Aleppo Ghar soap
Syrian Arab Republic
In the Syrian Arab Republic, Aleppo ghar soap is crafted using locally produced olive oil and laurel oil (ghar). In a collaborative, intergenerational process, the ingredients are picked, cooked, then poured on the floors of traditional soap factories. Once the mixture cools, craftsmen don large wooden shoes to cut the slab into cubes, using their body weight and a rake. The cubes are hand-stamped with the family name and stacked to dry in the shape of cylindrical towers or pyramids to facilitate airflow.
Tomyum Kung
Thailand
Tomyum Kung is a traditional prawn soup in Thailand. The prawns are boiled with herbs and seasoned with local condiments. The soup has a distinctive aroma and vibrant colours, and combines many tastes, including sweet, sour, savoury, spicy, creamy and slightly bitter. The dish is believed to promote energy and wellness, particularly during the monsoon season. It embodies the culinary wisdom of the Buddhist riverside communities in the Central Plains of Thailand and their traditional knowledge of the environment and medicinal herbs.
Performing arts among the Twāyef of Ghbonten
Tunisia
In Tunisia, the Twāyef are troupes of poet singers affiliated with the Ghbonten tribe. The troupes perform chants or songs wearing white robes and scarlet chechias (caps). They are accompanied by the chenna, a traditional drum. Consisting of a leader and a group of male performers, each troupe boasts a unique repertoire of songs ranging from sacred to secular, blending humour and solemnity. This festive, intergenerational practice is an identifying and unifying factor and a means of transmitting social norms.
Pysanka, Ukrainian tradition and art of decorating eggs
Ukraine, Estonia
Pysanka consists in applying traditional patterns and symbols to the egg using wax in Ukraine and Estonia. The egg is then dipped into dye, covering all but the waxed areas. The process is repeated to achieve the desired pattern and colours. Although it is now associated with Easter, the tradition predates Christianity and is meaningful to Ukrainian communities regardless of religion. Pysanka eggs hold multiple social functions and can be presented as gifts to celebrate important life-changing events such as births.
Henna: rituals, aesthetic and social practices
United Arab Emirates, Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Mauritania, Morocco, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Tunisia, Yemen
Henna is a deciduous tree that grows in hot regions. Perceived as sacred by communities in Northern Africa and the Middle East, its leaves are harvested twice a year to create a paste. Henna paste is commonly used by women for adornment. It is a symbol of joy and is used in everyday life and on festive occasions such as births and weddings. Its use is frequently accompanied by oral expressions and is linked to centuries-old societal rules and traditions.
Mangwengwe dance
Zambia
The Mangwengwe is a traditional dance that is performed by the Mambwe and Namwanga people in Zambia. It is characterized by circular movements of the shoulders and sometimes waist. Reserved for important events such as weddings, funerals and traditional ceremonies, the performance involves singers, dancers, hand-clappers and musicians. The rhythm is set by the rubbing of wooden stools against the bottoms of clay pots. Practitioners compose their own songs, which generally describe everyday life, the land, leaders and current events.
K'cimi dancing of Tropoj?
Albania
In Albania, the k’cimi is a popular, festive dance performed in spontaneous gatherings or during traditional ceremonies and celebrations. The dancers perform face to face, making swooning movements and raising and dropping their arms as they move around one another, without touching. Depending on the occasion, traditional attire may be worn. The k’cimi is traditionally practised by the people of Tropoj? and is associated with springtime celebrations, mountainous landscapes and the flight of eagles – a symbol of strength and of collective identity.
The women’s ceremonial costume in the Eastern region of Algeria: knowledge and skills associated with the making and adornment of the ‘Gandoura’ and the ‘Melehfa’
Algeria
The Gandoura and Melehfa are traditional attires worn by women for festive occasions such as weddings, ceremonies, and national and religious celebrations. At such occasions, the exhibition of these costumes solidifies, reaffirms and reinforces social ties, and cultivates a sense of solidarity among individuals and communities. The knowledge and skills for weaving are practiced in families and garment workshops, where it helps promote sustainable development through handicrafts and encourages human creativity.
Tandir craftsmanship and bread baking in Azerbaijan
Azerbaijan
Tandirs are traditional pottery ovens used in Azerbaijan to make bread and sometimes meat and poultry. Today, masters mostly craft two types of tandirs: surface and underground ovens. The bread baked in tandirs is considered a key to longevity and is an integral part of the daily diets of the people of Azerbaijan. In addition to being a source of livelihood, baking in tandirs is a ritual that strengthens social bonds and supports family and neighbourhood ties.
Festival of Bà Chúa X? Goddess at Sam Mountain
Viet Nam
The festival of Bà Chúa X? Goddess at Sam Mountain takes place from the 22nd to the 27th day of the fourth lunar month. Observed by the Kinh, Khmer, Cham and Hoa communities in Ch?u ??c city, it entails performing religious ceremonies and music and dance to express gratitude to the Mother Earth goddess, who is believed to grant protection and promote prosperity, health and peace. The festival is an opportunity to transmit common values and celebrate the contributions of women to society.
Ceremony of Mehregan
Tajikistan, Islamic Republic of Iran
In Tajikistan and the Islamic Republic of Iran, Mehregan is a religious celebration that is tied to the autumn harvest. Every year, from 2 October to 2 November, communities express gratitude to God for their livestock and crops. The rituals and products featured vary according to the region and to the beliefs of the practitioners. The celebrations include music, songs, dances, theatre and local sports performances (such as wrestling). Mehregan promotes social cohesion, uniting people of different ages, genders and backgrounds.
Art of crafting and playing rubab/rabab
Afghanistan, Islamic Republic of Iran, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan
One of the oldest musical instruments in Central, South and Southwest Asia, the rubab/rabab is a string instrument made with dried mulberry wood collected in deserts. It is played on many occasions, including for celebrations, weddings, funerals, gatherings and ritual healings. It is also a leading instrument in orchestral and contemporary music performances, including in multinational ensembles. The rubab/rabab contributes to cultural and social cohesion and has played a prominent role in promoting cultural exchanges and solidarity, especially among migrant communities.
Vytsinanka, traditional art of paper cutting in Belarus
Belarus
Vytsinanka is the traditional art of paper cutting practised in Belarus. Initially used in churches, it is now used to decorate homes, cafés and offices, for the design of printed products – such as calendars and postcards, and in theatre sets and public spaces. Artisans use various methods of paper cutting, from cutting simple, symmetrical compositions with scissors to combining complex pieces using scissors and a chisel. Today, vytsinanka performs a set of universal functions, including educational, aesthetic and communicative.
Funfair culture
Belgium, France
Every year, from February through November, the funfair community travels around following a set itinerary, returning to the same places. Hosted by local authorities, they install their attractions – food stalls, games and rides – in a public space, where they stay anywhere from one day to several weeks. The funfair community lives on the fairgrounds, managing the attractions and entertainment. The attractions – an integral part of the funfair heritage – are preserved and used by the same family over several generations.
Sevdalinka, traditional urban folk song
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Sevdalinka is a form of traditional urban singing that is practised in Bosnia and Herzegovina. It originated as the result of a long process of acculturation that occurred when the traditional oral poetry of the South-Slavic population merged with the musical influences of the Ottoman Empire. Performed a capella or with traditional instruments, its main function is to tell a story. It is practised by professional and amateur performers and is a key part of stage folklore and a means of cultural expression.
Traditional ways of making Artisan Minas Cheese in Minas Gerais
Brazil
The process of making artisanal Minas cheese involves knowledge and techniques developed by small rural producers in the State of Minas Gerais, in Brazil. Local cheesemakers use raw milk and the ‘pingo’ (drop), a natural yeast composed of region-specific bacteria which contributes to the specific flavour, colour and aroma of the cheeses. Artisanal Minas cheese is associated with hospitality and is commonly consumed with sweets and drinks in gatherings and on special occasions.
Kebaya: knowledge, skills, traditions and practices
Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand
In Southeast Asia, kebaya is a front-opening top often adorned with intricate embroidery and worn with fasteners such as brooches or buttons. It comes in various lengths and can be worn with a matching sarong. Kebaya is worn at casual as well as formal events, social gatherings and festivals. It is also worn in the performing arts, such as in dance performances, theatre and film. Kebaya is a significant part of the cultural heritage and identity of various communities in Southeast Asia.
Cultural practices and expressions linked to Krama, a traditional woven textile in Cambodia
Cambodia
Krama is a woven textile associated with traditional practices and cultural expressions of daily life in Cambodia. A rectangular cloth made of either cotton or silk, krama features a variety of grid-pattern motifs. This socio-cultural staple is woven manually using a traditional handloom and is used daily, as a scarf, belt, blanket, bandana, lower garment, decorative cloth, and hammock for children. It is also used during rituals, ceremonies and festive events, as well as to prepare food and in health care.
Ngondo, worship of water oracles and associated cultural traditions among the Sawa
Cameroon
The Ngondo traditions are based on the worship of water oracles by the Sawa community of Cameroon. Every year from September to December, a caravan tours the traditional Sawa districts with performances, competitions, fairs and a beauty pageant. On the first Sunday of December, people gather on the banks of the Wouri River to watch a priest dive from a sacred canoe into the water to recover a message from the oracles. The message governs community life until the next celebration.
Spring festival, social practices of the Chinese people in celebration of traditional new year
China
In China, the spring festival marks the beginning of the new year. It falls on the first day of the Chinese calendar and involves a variety of social practices to usher in the new year, pray for good fortune, celebrate family reunions and promote community harmony. This process of celebration is known as ‘guonian’ (crossing the year). In addition to participating in the public festivities, people make offerings and extend greetings to elders, relatives, friends and neighbours.
Living pictures of Galeras, Sucre
Colombia
The Living Pictures of Galeras in Colombia is a collective and community-based artistic expression that entails staging scenes pulled from religion, literature, legends, daily life and current affairs. Practitioners create an outdoor art gallery uniting artists, artworks, critics and thousands of spectators in a fascinating universe of creativity and magical realism. The most significant expression of ephemeral folk art in Colombia, it is a tool for communication and collective memory, connecting art with life while strengthening community ties and inclusion.
Skills related to Attiéké production in C?te d’Ivoire
C?te d'Ivoire
Attiéké is a dish made from steamed cassava tubers. Produced by the lagoon peoples of C?te d’Ivoire, it involves growing and harvesting the cassava tubers, grinding and mixing them with fermented cassava to prepare the semolina, and steaming the semolina to prepare the dish. It is an accessible and affordable dish that has become a staple in family meals and restaurants and during ceremonies. It also contributes to the financial autonomy and social integration of the women and girls who produce it.
Traditional knowledge and practices for the making and consumption of cassava bread
Cuba, Dominican Republic, Haiti, Honduras, Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of)
Cassava bread is a round bread made from the cassava tuber. In Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Haiti, Honduras and the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, cassava bread varies in flavour (savoury or sweet), texture (soft or hard), size and thickness. In most countries, it is a key part of daily diets and provides a connection with the communities’ Indigenous and African heritage. It also promotes unity, as each community values its own cassava bread making while recognizing the practices of others.
Custom of Korean costume: traditional knowledge, skills and social practices in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea
Democratic People’s Republic of Korea
The Korean costume is an outfit comprised of a jacket and a skirt or trousers. It is completed with seasonal overclothes, including an overcoat and a waistcoat, and may include other accessories such as a breast ribbon. The costume is created using natural fabrics such as silk, ramie and cotton. Often referenced in art and literature, it is used on many occasions, including festivals and holidays. The Korean costume brings people together, instilling a sense of cultural belonging, identity and continuity.
Semsemiah: instrument crafting and playing
Egypt, Saudi Arabia
Semsemiah is a popular harp-like instrument that is crafted and played among communities in the regions along the Suez Canal and Red Sea. The main part is attached to three wooden poles that form a triangle. The instrument is usually crafted by the players themselves, using natural or recycled materials such as wood or metal. The semsemiah is used by musicians, sailors (in Saudi Arabia), fishermen, and ship traders (in Egypt). A source of social cohesion, it is featured in concerts, holidays, weddings, sport games and cultural festivals.
Cooking and eating Mulgi puder, traditional mashed potato with barley in the Mulgimaa region, Estonia
Estonia
Mulgi puder is a traditional dish that is consumed daily in the Mulgimaa region of Estonia. Pre-soaked barley and sliced potatoes are boiled until soft and then mashed. This is accompanied by pan-fried pork knuckle or vegetables. Every family has its own way of making Mulgi puder, and community members enjoy exchanging recipes. The dish is cooked with family and friends, at work and school, and during community gatherings and celebrations. It is also served in restaurants and sold in jars.
Skills of Parisian zinc roofers and ornamentalists
France
Parisian zinc roofing encompasses the knowledge and skills required to restore the roofs of Haussmann-style buildings constructed during the nineteenth century. The restoration of a roof involves removing the old pieces of zinc, measuring and custom-cutting new pieces using a Parisian folding machine, and assembling and fixing the pieces onto the roof. With nearly 80 per cent of the roofs in Paris covered in zinc, the city is a living archive of these skills that shape the unique identity of its urban landscape.
Asturian cider culture
Spain
Asturian cider culture refers to the spaces and processes for producing, serving and enjoying natural cider in the region of Asturias. A symbol of local identity, the drink is created by fermenting the must of native apple varieties. In Asturias, the taste for cider is seen as the embodiment of the relationship between rural communities and their environment. Apple orchards are a characteristic feature of the Asturian landscape, and the cider features prominently in cultural practices and in popular Asturian vocabulary.
Craftsmanship of traditional woven textile Kente
Ghana
In Ghana, Kente is a fabric made of strips that are woven from silk, cotton or rayon using horizontal looms. The age, social status and gender of users influence the choice of colour and design of the fabric. Finished products are named with proverbs and social situations, among others. People of all genders are involved in the production process, and the fabric promotes information transfer and exchange. It is also a means of identity construction, reflecting the social histories of various communities.
Shakespeare Mas', a traditional component of Carriacou's annual carnival
Grenada
In Grenada, Shakespeare Mas’ combines elements of speechmaking, costume design and public theatre. Practitioners, called ‘kings’, compete against each other, reciting passages from Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar, historical texts, Bible verses and rhetorical boasts meant to show their prowess with words and language. Incorrect recitations are met with a symbolic lash on a padded headpiece for dramatic effect. An integral part of Carriacou’s annual Carnival celebrations, Shakespeare Mas’ unites Carriacouans in a celebration of culture, artistic creativity and national identity.
Technique of making the giant kites of Santiago Sacatepéquez and Sumpango, Guatemala
Guatemala
The tradition of making and flying kites in Santiago Sacatepéquez and Sumpango, Guatemala dates back to the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. The kites are made over several months and exhibited during the fairs of the Day of the Saints and the Dead. The designs used address themes related to the environment, the fight against violence, and human rights. The tradition is perceived as a means of connecting with ancestors, warding off negative spirits and promoting renewal.
Csárdás dance tradition
Hungary
The csárdás is a dance that is performed by couples consisting of a man and a woman, or, in some regions, of two women. Multiple couples participate in the dance at the same time, forming one large or several smaller circles. Each region has its own themes, gestures and figures, which are improvised according to well-known, established rules and patterns. The csárdás is a universal favourite in both village and urban dance traditions and is performed during weddings and community events.
Pilgrimage to Watt Town
Jamaica
The Revival Pilgrimage to the Jamaican community of Watt Town occurs every year on the first Thursday of March. Once a refuge for enslaved Africans, Watt Town is considered a sacred site. Groups, called bands, journey there from across Jamaica to engage in ritual songs and dances, wearing clothing with vibrant colours and iconography. They use the messaging in emblems, called seals, to carry out certain tasks, and bring gifts in the form of fruits, flowers, medicinal plants and food to honour their ancestors.
Traditional knowledge and skills of sake-making with koji mold in Japan
Japan
Sake is an alcoholic beverage made from grains and water that is deeply rooted in Japanese culture. Craftspeople use koji mold to convert the starch in the ingredients into sugar. They oversee the process to make sure the mould grows in optimal conditions, adjusting the temperature and humidity as needed. Their work determines the quality of the sake. Viewed as a sacred gift from deities, sake is indispensable in festivals, weddings, rites of passage and other socio-cultural occasions.
Betashar, traditional wedding ritual
Kazakhstan
In Kazakhstan, the Betashar ritual is the ceremony of revealing the bride’s face during a wedding ceremony. The bride, wearing the traditional Kazakh headdress and a veil, is escorted into the hall where the guests await her appearance. After performing the bridal song, the ‘akyn’ (the singer and leader of ceremony) lifts the bride’s veil. The groom’s mother welcomes the bride to the family and the groom takes her by the hand. Relatives then cover the newlyweds with sweets and coins.
Messosporitissa Festivity (All-holy Mother of God of the Mid-Sowing Season Festivity), Feast of Our Lady at the Ancient Ruins
Greece
The Feast of Our Lady is an important festivity in Greek Orthodox Christianity that is observed on 21 November. The night before the event, a ceremony takes place in a seventeenth-century chapel. Blessing the three symbolic staples of wheat, olive oil and wine feature predominantly in the ritual, and the priest prays for a bountiful harvest and for the health and salvation of the people of the community. The festivity enhances community cohesion, and reminds participants about the need to respect nature.
Breakfast culture in Malaysia: dining experience in a multi-ethnic society
Malaysia
Breakfast culture plays an important role among Malaysia’s multi-ethnic societies. It is centred on food and spending time together over a morning meal. Locals from different ethnic groups and genders unite around traditional breakfast delicacies in public and private spaces and rural and urban areas. In addition to being a source of pride and a significant part of Malaysia’s gastronomic history, these morning dishes have also become a distinctive element of culture and identity that connects diverse ethnic groups within Malaysia.
Xeer Ciise: Oral customary laws of Somali-Issa communities in Ethiopia, Djibouti and Somalia
Ethiopia, Djibouti, Somalia
Xeer Ciise refers to the oral customary laws of the Somali-Issa communities in Ethiopia, Djibouti and Somalia. A highly structured system of democratic governance, it has three main components: (a) a political constitution, which defines the distribution of power and decision-making processes; (b) a penal code, which establishes community justice; and (c) a code of social conduct, which regulates collective and individual behaviour. These laws help ensure peaceful coexistence within the community and with other ethnic groups.
The Epic of Samba Gueladio
Mauritania
The Epic of Samba Gueladio is a legend in which the hero, Samba Gueladio, the legitimate heir to the throne, was cast aside by his uncle. He forges alliances to regain his throne. Widely disseminated and accepted as part of the Fouta Toro region’s history and mythology, the epic is passed on during community events and cultural gatherings, through storytelling, song and declamations. It is viewed as a celebration of inter-ethnic alliance and a reminder of the region’s ancestral values.
Mongol nomad migration and its associated practices
Mongolia
Mongolian nomadic culture is rooted in the interdependence between pastures, livestock and herders. Herder families move between pastures to give the earth time to rejuvenate. The head of the household selects the date to relocate, and the family works together to prepare for the migration, such as by cleaning the area and preparing the animals. The wife then dresses in her finest clothes and leads the way during the migration to show her gratitude and respect for Mother Nature.
Myanmar traditional New Year Atā Thingyan festival
Myanmar
Atā Thingyan is a five-day festival that is observed in Myanmar to celebrate the traditional new year. Each community has its own customs, but common activities include pouring water on Buddha images and each other and joining meditation retreats. The festival represents a symbolic cleansing of the old year’s ‘dirt’, enabling a physical and mental ‘fresh start’. As the festival is a national holiday, many people return to their native towns and villages to reunite with their families and honour their elders.
Durbar in Kano
Nigeria
In Nigeria, Durbar is a procession of about 10,000 men on horses, and men and women on foot. It takes place during the ninth and twelfth months of the Muslim calendar to mark the Eid el-Fitr and Eid el-Kabir every year. There are four processions, each serving a specific purpose and having its own timing and costumes. The Emir’s procession passes through the various quarters to acknowledge their contributions. In turn, people pay homage to their Emir, thus expressing their acceptance and support.
Fonelamvonglao (lamvonglao)
Lao People's Democratic Republic
The fonelamvonglao is a celebratory dance practiced widely by Lao communities and involving men and women. The men perform in an inner circle and the women perform in an outer circle, dancing in a counterclockwise direction. Traditionally performed in villages, the dance is now practised widely in events ranging from weddings to conferences. It is associated with communal meals and meetings. A symbol of identity and spirituality, the dance is also an embodiment of traditional and modern culture.
Traditional bagpipe (Gayda/Tulum) making and performing
North Macedonia, Türkiye
The traditional bagpipe (Gayda/Tulum) is a traditional woodwind instrument that is made and performed across the area that includes North Macedonia, and the Eastern Black Sea and Thrace regions of Türkiye. Made from boxwood, the bagpipe is associated with folk music and is played in events such as weddings and festivals. A symbol of cultural identity, it reinforces a sense of belonging and is a key part of many other traditions and customs, including harvesting and transhumance practices.
Traditional costumes in Norway, craftsmanship and social practice
Norway
In Norway, traditional costumes are tailored garments, decorated with embroidery, ribbons and fabrics, made of natural materials such as silk, wool and linen. Often made by hand, a traditional costume may last a lifetime and be handed down through generations as a family heirloom. Traditional costumes are closely connected to family life and local communities. They are worn at private and public celebrations and symbolize personal identity and family history. Some immigrants proudly acquire their first traditional costumes when they receive their Norwegian citizenship.
Manual bell ringing
Spain, Italy
In Spain and Italy, manual bell ringing is a form of communication that is tied to the types of bells, bell towers and belfries, as well as to the knowledge and skills of the bell ringers. The bells are used to tell time and are played as musical instruments, including during traditional festivals and celebrations. A language in and of itself, manual bell ringing marks the days of the communities and is linked to their sense of shared identity and history.
Arabic coffee, a symbol of generosity
United Arab Emirates, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Jordan
In Arab societies, serving and drinking Arabic coffee is a daily ritual that is enjoyed by all segments of society. An expression of generosity, hospitality and respect, it is served at weddings and tribal gatherings and is associated with specific rituals and rules of etiquette. For instance, older people are served first, and the coffee must be poured using the right hand. The practice is often accompanied by the recitation of poetry, stimulating discussions, and the exchange of memories.
Nawrouz, Novruz, Nowrouz, Nowrouz, Nawrouz, Nauryz, Nooruz, Nowruz, Navruz, Nevruz, Nowruz, Navruz
Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, India, Islamic Republic of Iran, Iraq, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Türkiye, Turkmenistan and Mongolia
Nauryz is a traditional folk spring festival based on the worship of nature, the sun and the universe. Observed in several countries in Asia and the Middle East, it is associated with a love of nature and all living things, a respect for human beings, and the spread of good. For the practitioners, Nauryz is a time for settling debts and disputes. The celebrations – which include games, competitions, folk music and song and dance performances – promote respect, unity and solidarity.
Art of dry stone construction, knowledge and techniques
Croatia, Cyprus, France, Greece, Italy, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland, Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Ireland, Luxembourg
The art of dry stone construction refers to the practice of building with stone without using binding material. Practised in various countries in Europe, it is achieved through the careful selection and arrangement of stones to ensure the long-term stability of the structure and its adaptation to the local terrain and climate. Structures include houses, bridges and fortifications. To the communities involved, dry stone structures are sources of pride and identifying factors given the structures’ distinct visual impact on local landscapes.
Cultural practices and expressions linked to Balafon and Kolintang in Mali, Burkina Faso, C?te d'Ivoire and Indonesia
Mali, Burkina Faso, C?te d'Ivoire and Indonesia
The balafon (in Mali, Burkina Faso and C?te d’Ivoire) and kolintang (in Indonesia) refer to a set of wooden xylophones of different lengths. The Indonesian and West African instruments share similarities in material, shapes, keys, functions, transmission processes and values. They are believed to represent mutual respect and tolerance and promote unity and peaceful and harmonious living. To its bearers and practitioners, kolintang promotes dialogue and understanding, and its existence is a symbol of respect for cultural diversity.
Traditional Li textile techniques: spinning, dyeing, weaving and embroidering
China
The traditional Li textile techniques of spinning, dyeing, weaving and embroidering are employed by women of the Li ethnic group of Hainan Province, China, to make textiles out of fibres such as cotton and hemp. The patterns used record the history and legends of Li culture as well as aspects of worship, taboos, beliefs, traditions and folkways. They are an indispensable part of the cultural heritage of the Li ethnic group, allowing communities to strengthen their shared historical memory and cultural identity.
Qiang New Year festival
China
Held on the first day of the tenth lunar month, the Qiang New Year Festival is an occasion for the Qiang people of China’s Sichuan Province to express their gratitude and reverence, reaffirm their relationship with nature, and promote social and family harmony. A platform for dialogue and exchange between the Qiang people and other communities, the festival has played a key role in rebuilding faith and resilience after the 2008 earthquake while, increasing people’s awareness of food security and environmental protection.
Traditional design and practices for building Chinese wooden arch bridges
China
Wooden arch bridges are found in Fujian Province and Zhejiang Province, along China’s southeast coast. A source of livelihood for woodworkers, the bridges – and the traditional techniques and knowledge used to build them – are an integral part of the cultural ecosystem of local villages. They serve as communication channels and cultural spaces, thus enhancing community harmony and cultural identity. Local communities and woodworkers of all genders participate in the construction, maintenance and use of the bridges, as well as in the related folk practices.
School of Crafts ??UV
Slovakia
The School of Crafts ?LUV aims to safeguard, promote and develop traditional crafts in Slovakia. Its courses facilitate the use of available natural materials for a wide range of traditional crafts. The teaching methodology is developed by the bearers of each craft, taking into account the current context, such as the availability of materials, the necessary tools and how the finished products are used. The training activities are open to people of all genders, abilities and religious and ethnic backgrounds.
Safeguarding programme of kobza and wheel lyre tradition
Ukraine
The Ukrainian kobza and wheel lyre tradition is a nomadic music tradition involving visually impaired musicians who sing and play string instruments such as the kobza. Becoming a kobza performer traditionally entailed initiation rites conditioned by a strong knowledge of the music and of the practitioners’ secret language. To regulate their activities and protect their rights, the performers established guilds, or tsekhs. In keeping with tradition, today’s tsekhs work with people with visual impairments to promote the practice and increase its visibility.
Oman Youth Sail Training Ship (Safinat Shabab Oman) programme for peace and sustainable cultural dialogue
Oman
The Oman Youth Sail Training Ship programme for peace and sustainable cultural dialogue contributes to introducing Oman’s intangible cultural heritage to the rest of the world. Financed by the State, the programme aims to enrich and preserve the traditional sailing experience while using it as a means to share living heritage practised in Oman with other parts of the world. Acting as cultural ambassadors for their country, participating youth receive training on traditional sailing skills and participate in international sailing festivals and races.
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