UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage

UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage

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Intangible Cultural Heritage is a UNESCO program initiated in 2001 to recognise and protect various cultures and practices that, unlike items on the UNESCO World Heritage List, cannot be touched.

Intangible cultural heritage includes song, music, drama, skills, crafts, and the other parts of culture that can be recorded but cannot be touched and interacted with, without a vehicle for the culture. These cultural vehicles are called "Human Treasures" by the UN.

UNESCO divides the list into three different categories:

  • The representative list comprises cultural "practices and expressions that help demonstrate the diversity of this heritage and raise awareness about its importance."
  • The safeguarding list is composed of cultural elements that are threatened and in need of urgent measures to keep them alive.
  • The best practice list is comprised of the best examples by communities and governments of the protection and recognition of intangible cultural heritage.

Africa

Algeria

Ahellil of Gourara

Official nameLocation(s)ListYear inscribedNotes
Ahellil of GouraraRepresentative2008
Rites and craftsmanship associated with the wedding costume tradition of TlemcenTlemcenRepresentative2012

Benin

Gelede mask

Official nameLocation(s)ListYear inscribedNotes
Oral heritage of GeledeRepresentative2008Shared with Nigeria and Togo

Botswana

Official nameLocation(s)ListYear inscribedNotes
Earthenware pottery-making skills in Botswana’s Kgatleng DistrictSafeguarding2012

Burkina Faso

Official nameLocation(s)ListYear inscribedNotes
Cultural practices and expressions linked to the balafon of the Senufo communities of Mali, Burkina Faso and Côte d'IvoireRepresentative2012Shared with Mali and Côte d'Ivoire

Central African Republic

Official nameLocation(s)ListYear inscribedNotes
Polyphonic singing of the Aka Pygmies of Central AfricaRepresentative2008

Côte d'Ivoire

Official nameLocation(s)ListYear inscribedNotes
Cultural practices and expressions linked to the balafon of the Senufo communities of Mali, Burkina Faso and Côte d'IvoireRepresentative2012Shared with Mali and Burkina Faso
Gbofe of Afounkaha, the music of the transverse trumps of the Tagbana communityRepresentative2008

Egypt

Official nameLocation(s)ListYear inscribedNotes
Al-Sirah Al-Hilaliyyah epicRepresentative2008

Gambia

Official nameLocation(s)ListYear inscribedNotes
Kankurang, Manding initiatory riteRepresentative2008Shared with Senegal

Guinea

The balafon originates from a 800-year-old Sosso Bala sacred instrument in Niagassola, Guinea.

Official nameLocation(s)ListYear inscribedNotes
Cultural space of Sosso-BalaRepresentative2008

Kenya

Sacred Mijikenda forests

Official nameLocation(s)ListYear inscribedNotes
Traditions and practices associated with the Kayas in the sacred forests of the MijikendaSafeguarding2009

Madagascar

Official nameLocation(s)ListYear inscribedNotes
Woodcrafting knowledge of the ZafimaniryRepresentative2008

Malawi

Official nameLocation(s)ListYear inscribedNotes
Gule WamkuluRepresentative2008Shared with Mozambique and Zambia
Vimbuza healing danceRepresentative2008

Mali

Official nameLocation(s)ListYear inscribedNotes
Cultural practices and expressions linked to the balafon of the Senufo communities of Mali, Burkina Faso and Côte d'IvoireRepresentative2012Shared with Burkina Faso and Côte d'Ivoire
Secret society of the Kôrêdugaw, the rite of wisdom in MaliSafeguarding2011
Manden Charter, proclaimed in Kurukan FugaRepresentative2009
Sanké mon, collective fishing rite of the SankéSafeguarding2009
Septennial re-roofing ceremony of the Kamablon, sacred house of KangabaRepresentative2009
Cultural space of the Yaaral and DegalRepresentative2008

Mauritania

Official nameLocation(s)ListYear inscribedNotes
Moorish epic T’heydinnSafeguarding2011

Morocco

Jemaa el-Fna Square in Marrakech Moussem festival in Tan-Tan

Official nameLocation(s)ListYear inscribedNotes
Cherry festival in SefrouRepresentative2012
Falconry, a living human heritageRepresentative2012Shared with United Arab Emirates, Austria, Czech Republic, Belgium, Hungary, South Korea, Mongolia, Morocco, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Spain and Syria
Mediterranean dietRepresentative2010Shared with Spain, Italy and Greece
Cultural space of Jemaa el-Fna SquareRepresentative2008
Moussem of Tan-TanRepresentative2008

Mozambique

Gule Wamkulu mask

Official nameLocation(s)ListYear inscribedNotes
Chopi TimbilaRepresentative2008
Gule WamkuluRepresentative2008Shared with Malawi and Zambia

Nigeria

Ifa tray and palm nuts

Official nameLocation(s)ListYear inscribedNotes
Ijele masqueradeRepresentative2009
Ifa divination systemRepresentative2008
Oral heritage of GeledeRepresentative2008Shared with Benin and Togo

Senegal

Official nameLocation(s)ListYear inscribedNotes
Kankurang, Manding initiatory riteRepresentative2008Shared with the Gambia

Togo

Gelede body mask

Official nameLocation(s)ListYear inscribedNotes
Oral heritage of GeledeRepresentative2008Shared with Benin and Nigeria

Uganda

Official nameLocation(s)ListYear inscribedNotes
Bigwala, gourd trumpet music and dance of the Busoga Kingdom in UgandaSafeguarding2012
Barkcloth making in UgandaRepresentative2008

Zambia

Official nameLocation(s)ListYear inscribedNotes
Gule WamkuluRepresentative2008Shared with Malawi and Mozambique
Makishi masqueradeRepresentative2008

Zimbabwe

Official nameLocation(s)ListYear inscribedNotes
Mbende Jerusarema danceRepresentative2008

Asia

Bangladesh

Baul singers

Official nameLocation(s)ListYear inscribedNotes
Baul songsShrine of Lalon Akhra, Kushtia DistrictRepresentative2008
Traditional art of Shital Pati weavingSylhetRepresentative2017

Bhutan

Official nameLocation(s)ListYear inscribedNotes
Mask dance of the drums from DrametseRepresentative2008

Cambodia

Royal Ballet of Cambodia

Official nameLocation(s)ListYear inscribedNotes
Royal ballet of CambodiaRepresentative2008
Sbek Thom, Khmer shadow theatreRepresentative2008

China

Chinese shadow puppetry Wooden movable type printing Chinese calligraphy Mouthpiece of a Xiao flute, common in Nanyin music Kun Qu opera

Official nameLocation(s)ListYear inscribedNotes
Strategy for training coming generations of Fujian puppetry practitionersBest practice2012
Chinese shadow puppetryRepresentative2011
Hezhen Yimakan storytellingSafeguarding2011
Acupuncture and moxibustion of traditional Chinese medicineRepresentative2010
MeshrepSafeguarding2010
Peking operaRepresentative2010
Watertight-bulkhead technology of Chinese junksSafeguarding2010
Wooden movable-type printing of ChinaSafeguarding2010
Art of Chinese seal engravingRepresentative2009
China engraved block printing techniqueRepresentative2009
Chinese calligraphyRepresentative2009
Chinese paper-cutRepresentative2009
Chinese traditional architectural craftsmanship for timber-framed structuresRepresentative2009
Craftsmanship of Nanjing Yunjin brocadeRepresentative2009
Dragon Boat festivalRepresentative2009
Farmers’ dance of China’s Korean ethnic groupRepresentative2009
Gesar epic traditionRepresentative2009
Grand song of the Dong ethnic groupRepresentative2009
Hua’erRepresentative2009
ManasRepresentative2009
Mazu belief and customsRepresentative2009
Mongolian art of singing, KhoomeiRepresentative2009
NanyinRepresentative2009
Qiang New Year festivalSafeguarding2009
Regong artsRepresentative2009
Sericulture and silk craftsmanship of ChinaRepresentative2009
Tibetan operaRepresentative2009
Traditional design and practices for building Chinese wooden arch bridgesSafeguarding2009
Traditional firing technology of Longquan celadonRepresentative2009
Traditional handicrafts of making Xuan paperRepresentative2009
Traditional Li textile techniques: spinning, dyeing, weaving and embroideringSafeguarding2009
Xi’an wind and percussion ensembleRepresentative2009
Yueju operaRepresentative2009
Guqin and its musicRepresentative2008
Kun Qu operaRepresentative2008
Urtiin Duu, traditional folk long songRepresentative2008Shared with Mongolia
Uyghur Muqam of XinjiangRepresentative2008

India

Durga Puja Mudiyettu Ramlila

Official nameLocation(s)ListYear inscribedNotes
Durga Puja in KolkataKolkataRepresentative2021
Buddhist chanting of Ladakh: recitation of sacred Buddhist texts in the trans-Himalayan Ladakh region, Jammu and Kashmir, IndiaLadakhRepresentative2012
Chhau danceRepresentative2010
Kalbelia folk songs and dances of RajasthanRajasthanRepresentative2010
Mudiyettu, ritual theatre and dance drama of KeralaKeralaRepresentative2010
Novruz, Nowrouz, Nooruz, Navruz, Nauroz, NevruzRepresentative2009Shared with Azerbaijan, Iran, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Turkey and Uzbekistan
Ramman, religious festival and ritual theatre of the Garhwal Himalayas, IndiaRepresentative2009
Kutiyattam, Sanskrit theatreRepresentative2008
Ramlila, the traditional performance of the RamayanaRepresentative2008
Tradition of Vedic chantingRepresentative2008

Indonesia

Batik making Kris, traditional daggers from Indonesia

Official nameLocation(s)ListYear inscribedNotes
Traditions of Pencak SilatWest Sumatra, Western JavaRepresentative2019
Pinisi, art of boatbuilding in South SulawesiSouthern SulawesiRepresentative2017
Three genres of traditional dance in BaliBaliRepresentative2015
Noken multifunctional knotted or woven bag, handcraft of the people of PapuaPapuaSafeguarding2012
Saman danceAcehSafeguarding2011
Indonesian AngklungWestern JavaRepresentative2010
Education and training in Indonesian Batik intangible cultural heritage for elementary, junior, senior, vocational school and polytechnic students, in collaboration with the Batik Museum in PekalonganBest practice2009
Indonesian BatikPekalongan, Yogyakarta, SoloRepresentative2009
Indonesian KrisJavaRepresentative2008
Wayang puppet theatreJavaRepresentative2008

Iran

Pahlevani and zoorkhaneh rituals Nowruz (Persian New Year) celebrations

Official nameLocation(s)ListYear inscribedNotes
Qālišuyān rituals of Mašhad-e Ardehāl in KāšānRepresentative2012
Naqqāli, Iranian dramatic story-tellingSafeguarding2011
Traditional skills of building and sailing Iranian Lenj boats in the Persian GulfSafeguarding2011
Music of the Bakhshis of KhorasanRepresentative2010
Pahlevani and Zoorkhanei ritualsRepresentative2010
Ritual dramatic art of Ta‘zīyeRepresentative2010
Traditional skills of carpet weaving in FarsFarsRepresentative2010
Traditional skills of carpet weaving in KashanKashanRepresentative2010
Novruz, Nowrouz, Nooruz, Navruz, Nauroz, NevruzRepresentative2009Shared with Azerbaijan, India, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Turkey and Uzbekistan
Radif of Iranian musicRepresentative2009

Iraq

Official nameLocation(s)ListYear inscribedNotes
Iraqi MaqamRepresentative2008

Japan

The Sada shrine Kumiodori Gagaku Traditional Ainu music

Official nameLocation(s)ListYear inscribedNotes
Nachi no Dengaku, a religious performing art held at the Nachi fire festivalRepresentative2012
Mibu no Hana Taue, ritual of transplanting rice in Mibu, HiroshimaRepresentative2011
Sada Shin Noh, sacred dancing at Sada shrine, ShimaneRepresentative2010
Kumiodori, traditional Okinawan musical theatreRepresentative2010
Yuki-tsumugi, silk fabric production techniqueRepresentative2009
Akiu no Taue OdoriRepresentative2009
ChakkirakoRepresentative2009
DaimokutateRepresentative2009
Dainichido BugakuRepresentative2009
GagakuRepresentative2009
Hayachine KaguraRepresentative2009
Hitachi FuryumonoRepresentative2009
Koshikijima no ToshidonRepresentative2009
Ojiya-chijimi, Echigo-jofu: techniques of making ramie fabric in Uonuma region, Niigata PrefectureRepresentative2009
Oku-noto no AenokotoRepresentative2009
Sekishu-Banshi, papermaking in the Iwami region of Shimane PrefectureRepresentative2009
Traditional Ainu danceRepresentative2009
Yamahoko, the float ceremony of the Kyoto Gion festivalRepresentative2009
Kabuki theatreRepresentative2008
Ningyo Johruri Bunraku puppet theatreRepresentative2008
Nôgaku theatreRepresentative2008

Jordan

Beduin in Wadi Rum

Official nameLocation(s)ListYear inscribedNotes
Cultural space of the Bedu in Petra and Wadi RumRepresentative2008

Kyrgyzstan

Official nameLocation(s)ListYear inscribedNotes
Ala-kiyiz and Shyrdak, art of Kyrgyz traditional felt carpetsSafeguarding2012
Novruz, Nowrouz, Nooruz, Navruz, Nauroz, NevruzRepresentative2009Shared with Azerbaijan, Iran, India, Pakistan, Turkey and Uzbekistan
Art of Akyns, Kyrgyz epic tellersRepresentative2008

Malaysia

Official nameLocation(s)ListYear inscribedNotes
Mak Yong theatreRepresentative2008

Mongolia

Mongolian falconry Riding during the Naadam festival Morin Khuur, a Mongolian cello-like instrument

Official nameLocation(s)ListYear inscribedNotes
Falconry, a living human heritageRepresentative2012Shared with United Arab Emirates, Austria, Czech Republic, Belgium, Hungary, South Korea, France, Morocco, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Spain and Syria
Folk long song performance technique of Limbe performances - circular breathingSafeguarding2011
Mongolian traditional art of KhöömeiRepresentative2010
Naadam, Mongolian traditional festivalRepresentative2010
Mongol Biyelgee, Mongolian traditional folk danceSafeguarding2009
Mongol Tuuli, Mongolian epicSafeguarding2009
Traditional music of the TsuurSafeguarding2009
Traditional music of the Morin KhuurRepresentative2008
Urtiin Duu, traditional folk long songRepresentative2008Shared with China

Oman

Official nameLocation(s)ListYear inscribedNotes
Al ‘azi, elegy, processional march and poetryRepresentative2012
Al-Taghrooda, traditional Bedouin chanted poetry in the United Arab Emirates and the Sultanate of OmanRepresentative2010Shared with the United Arab Emirates
Al-Bar’ah, music and dance of Oman Dhofari valleysRepresentative2010

Pakistan

Official nameLocation(s)ListYear inscribedNotes
Novruz, Nowrouz, Nooruz, Navruz, Nauroz, NevruzRepresentative2009Shared with Azerbaijan, Iran, India, Kyrgyzstan, Turkey and Uzbekistan

Palestinian territories

Palestinian hikaye

Official nameLocation(s)ListYear inscribedNotes
Palestinian HikayeRepresentative2008

Philippines

Official nameLocation(s)ListYear inscribedNotes
Darangen epic of the Maranao people of Lake LanaoRepresentative2008
Hudhud chants of the IfugaoRepresentative2008

Qatar

Falconry, Qatar

Official nameLocation(s)ListYear inscribedNotes
Falconry, a living human heritageRepresentative2012Shared with United Arab Emirates, Austria, Czech Republic, Belgium, Hungary, South Korea, France, Morocco, Mongolia, Saudi Arabia, Spain and Syria

Saudi Arabia

Official nameLocation(s)ListYear inscribedNotes
Falconry, a living human heritageRepresentative2012Shared with United Arab Emirates, Austria, Czech Republic, Belgium, Hungary, South Korea, France, Morocco, Mongolia, Qatar, Spain and Syria

South Korea

Taekkyon Cheoyongmu Gangsullae Namsadang Nori

Official nameLocation(s)ListYear inscribedNotes
Arirang, lyrical folk song in the Republic of KoreaRepresentative2012
Falconry, a living human heritageRepresentative2012Shared with United Arab Emirates, Austria, Czech Republic, Belgium, Hungary, Qatar, France, Morocco, Mongolia, Saudi Arabia, Spain and Syria
Jultagi, tightrope walkingRepresentative2011
Taekkyeon, a traditional Korean martial artRepresentative2011
Weaving of Mosi (fine ramie) in the Hansan regionRepresentative2011
Daemokjang, traditional wooden architectureRepresentative2010
Gagok, lyric song cycles accompanied by an orchestraRepresentative2010
CheoyongmuRepresentative2009
GanggangsullaeRepresentative2009
Jeju Chilmeoridang YeongdeunggutRepresentative2009
Namsadang NoriRepresentative2009
YeongsanjaeRepresentative2009
Gangneung Danoje festivalRepresentative2008
Pansori epic chantRepresentative2008
Royal ancestral ritual in the Jongmyo shrine and its musicRepresentative2008

Syria

Official nameLocation(s)ListYear inscribedNotes
Falconry, a living human heritageRepresentative2012Shared with United Arab Emirates, Austria, Czech Republic, Belgium, Hungary, South Korea, Mongolia, Morocco, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Morocco and Spain

Tajikistan

Official nameLocation(s)ListYear inscribedNotes
Shashmaqom musicRepresentative2008Shared with Uzbekistan

United Arab Emirates

Official nameLocation(s)ListYear inscribedNotes
Al-Taghrooda, traditional Bedouin chanted poetry in the United Arab Emirates and the Sultanate of OmanRepresentative2012Shared with Oman
Falconry, a living human heritageRepresentative2012Shared with Syria, Austria, Czech Republic, Belgium, Hungary, South Korea, Mongolia, Morocco, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Morocco and Spain
Al Sadu, traditional weaving skills in the United Arab EmiratesSafeguarding2011

Uzbekistan

Official nameLocation(s)ListYear inscribedNotes
Katta AshulaRepresentative2009
Novruz, Nowrouz, Nooruz, Navruz, Nauroz, NevruzRepresentative2009Shared with Azerbaijan, Iran, India, Kyrgyzstan, Turkey and Pakistan
Cultural space of Boysun DistrictRepresentative2008
Shashmaqom musicRepresentative2008Shared with Tajikistan

Vietnam

Ca trù Space of gong culture, gongs at a museum

Official nameLocation(s)ListYear inscribedNotes
Worship of Hùng kings in Phú ThọRepresentative2012
Xoan singing of Phú Thọ Province, Viet NamSafeguarding2011
Gióng festival of Phù Ðông and Sóc templesRepresentative2010
Ca trù singingSafeguarding2009
Quan Họ Bắc Ninh folk songsRepresentative2009
Nha Nhac, Vietnamese court musicRepresentative2008
Space of gong cultureRepresentative2008

Yemen

Official nameLocation(s)ListYear inscribedNotes
Song of Sana’aRepresentative2008

Europe

Albania

Albanian folk iso-polyphony

Official nameLocation(s)ListYear inscribedNotes
Albanian folk iso-polyphonyRepresentative2008

Armenia

Khatchkar at Goshavank monastery

Official nameLocation(s)ListYear inscribedNotes
Armenian cross-stones art. Symbolism and craftsmanship of KhachkarsRepresentative2010
Duduk and its musicRepresentative2008
Performance of the Armenian epic of 'Daredevils of Sassoun' or 'David of Sassoun'Representative2012

Austria

Official nameLocation(s)ListYear inscribedNotes
Falconry, a living human heritageRepresentative2012Shared with United Arab Emirates, Belgium, Czech Republic, France, Hungary, South Korea, Mongolia, Morocco, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Spain and Syria
Schemenlaufen, the carnival of Imst, AustriaRepresentative2012

Azerbaijan

Azerbaijani ashiq

Official nameLocation(s)ListYear inscribedNotes
Art of Azerbaijani AshiqRepresentative2009
Azerbaijani MughamRepresentative2008
Craftsmanship and performance art of the Tar, a long-necked string musical instrumentRepresentative2012
Novruz, Nowrouz, Nooruz, Navruz, Nauroz, NevruzRepresentative2009Shared with India, Iran, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Turkey and Uzbekistan
Traditional art of Azerbaijani carpet weaving in the Republic of AzerbaijanRepresentative2010

Belarus

Official nameLocation(s)ListYear inscribedNotes
Rite of the Kalyady Tsars (Christmas Tsars)Safeguarding2009

Belgium

Carnival in Aalst Procession of the holy blood, Bruges

Official nameLocation(s)ListYear inscribedNotes
Aalst carnivalRepresentative2010
Carnival of BincheRepresentative2008
Falconry, a living human heritageRepresentative2012Shared with United Arab Emirates, Austria, Czech Republic, France, Hungary, South Korea, Mongolia, Morocco, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Spain and Syria
Houtem Jaarmarkt, annual winter fair and livestock market at Sint-Lievens-HoutemRepresentative2010
Krakelingen and Tonnekensbrand, end-of-winter bread and fire feast at GeraardsbergenRepresentative2010
Leuven age set ritual repertoireRepresentative2010
Marches of Entre-Sambre-et-MeuseRepresentative2010
Processional giants and dragons in Belgium and FranceRepresentative2008Shared with France
Procession of the Holy Blood in BrugesRepresentative2009
Programme of cultivating ludodiversity: safeguarding traditional games in FlandersBest practice2011

Bulgaria

Nestinarstvo

Official nameLocation(s)ListYear inscribedNotes
Bistritsa Babi, archaic polyphony, dances and rituals from the Shoplouk regionRepresentative2008
Nestinarstvo, messages from the past: the Panagyr of Saints Constantine and Helena in the village of BulgariRepresentative2009

Croatia

Klapa Gingerbread craft from northern Croatia Sinjska Alka

Official nameLocation(s)ListYear inscribedNotes
Klapa multipart singing of Dalmatia, southern CroatiaRepresentative2012
Bećarac singing and playing from Eastern CroatiaRepresentative2011
Nijemo Kolo, silent circle dance of the Dalmatian hinterlandRepresentative2011
Gingerbread craft from Northern CroatiaRepresentative2010
Ojkanje singingSafeguarding2010
Sinjska Alka, a knights’ tournament in SinjRepresentative2010
Annual carnival bell ringers’ pageant from the Kastav areaRepresentative2009
Festivity of Saint Blaise, the patron of DubrovnikRepresentative2009
Lacemaking in CroatiaRepresentative2009
Procession Za Krizen (‘following the cross’) on the island of HvarRepresentative2009
Spring procession of Ljelje/Kraljice (queens) from GorjaniRepresentative2009
Traditional manufacturing of children’s wooden toys in Hrvatsko ZagorjeRepresentative2009
Two-part singing and playing in the Istrian scaleRepresentative2009

Cyprus

Making of Lefkara laces

Official nameLocation(s)ListYear inscribedNotes
Tsiattista poetic duellingRepresentative2011
Lefkara laces or LefkaritikaRepresentative2009

Czech Republic

Ride of the Kings

Official nameLocation(s)ListYear inscribedNotes
Falconry, a living human heritageRepresentative2012Shared with United Arab Emirates, Austria, Belgium, France, Hungary, South Korea, Mongolia, Morocco, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Spain and Syria
Ride of the Kings in the south-east of the Czech RepublicRepresentative2011
Shrovetide door-to-door processions and masks in the villages of the Hlinecko areaRepresentative2010
Slovácko Verbuňk, recruit dancesRepresentative2008

Estonia

Kihnu cultural space

Official nameLocation(s)ListYear inscribedNotes
Seto Leelo, Seto polyphonic singing traditionRepresentative2009
Baltic song and dance celebrationsRepresentative2008Shared with Latvia and Lithuania
Kihnu cultural spaceRepresentative2008

France

The museum of compagnonnage, Nantes Aubusson tapestry Maloya, a music genre from Réunion

Official nameLocation(s)ListYear inscribedNotes
Falconry, a living human heritageRepresentative2012Shared with United Arab Emirates, Austria, Czech Republic, Belgium, Hungary, South Korea, Mongolia, Morocco, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Spain and Syria
Fest-Noz, festive gathering based on the collective practice of traditional dances of BrittanyRepresentative2012
Equitation in the French traditionRepresentative2011
Compagnonnage, network for on-the-job transmission of knowledge and identitiesRepresentative2010
Craftsmanship of Alençon needle lace-makingRepresentative2010
Gastronomic meal of the FrenchRepresentative2010
Aubusson tapestryRepresentative2009
Cantu in paghjella, a secular and liturgical oral tradition of CorsicaSafeguarding2009
MaloyaRepresentative2009
Scribing tradition in French timber framingRepresentative2009
Processional giants and dragons in Belgium and FranceRepresentative2008Shared with Belgium

Georgia

Official nameLocation(s)ListYear inscribedNotes
Georgian polyphonic singingRepresentative2008

Greece

Greek salad

Official nameLocation(s)ListYear inscribedNotes
Mediterranean dietRepresentative2010Shared with Spain, Italy and Morocco

Hungary

Matyó emboidery Buso masks

Official nameLocation(s)ListYear inscribedNotes
Falconry, a living human heritageRepresentative2012Shared with United Arab Emirates, Austria, Czech Republic, Belgium, France, South Korea, Mongolia, Morocco, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Spain and Syria
Folk art of the Matyó, embroidery of a traditional communityRepresentative2012
Táncház method: a Hungarian model for the transmission of intangible cultural heritageBest practice2011
Busó festivities at Mohács: masked end-of-winter carnival customRepresentative2009

Italy

Opera dei Pupi

Official nameLocation(s)ListYear inscribedNotes
Traditional violin craftsmanship in CremonaRepresentative2012
Mediterranean dietRepresentative2010Shared with Spain, Greece and Morocco
Canto a tenore, Sardinian pastoral songsRepresentative2008
Opera dei Pupi, Sicilian puppet theatreRepresentative2008

Latvia

Suiti cultural space

Official nameLocation(s)ListYear inscribedNotes
Suiti cultural spaceSafeguarding2009
Baltic song and dance celebrationsRepresentative2008Shared with Estonia and Lithuania

Latvian Song Festival, 2008

Lithuania

Cross-crafting and its symbolism

Official nameLocation(s)ListYear inscribedNotes
Sutartinės, Lithuanian multipart songsRepresentative2010
Baltic song and dance celebrationsRepresentative2008Shared with Estonia and Latvia
Cross-crafting and its symbolismRepresentative2008

Luxembourg

Official nameLocation(s)ListYear inscribedNotes
Hopping procession of EchternachRepresentative2010

Portugal

Fado

Official nameLocation(s)ListYear inscribedNotes
Fado, urban popular song of PortugalLisbon, CoimbraRepresentative2011

Romania

Official nameLocation(s)ListYear inscribedNotes
Craftsmanship of Horezu ceramicsRepresentative2012
DoinaRepresentative2009
Căluş ritualRepresentative2008

Russia

Cultural space and oral culture of the Semeiskie

Official nameLocation(s)ListYear inscribedNotes
Cultural space and oral culture of the SemeiskieRepresentative2008
Olonkho, Yakut heroic eposRepresentative2008

Slovakia

Official nameLocation(s)ListYear inscribedNotes
Fujara and its musicRepresentative2008

Spain

Falconry, Spain Flamenco

Official nameLocation(s)ListYear inscribedNotes
Falconry, a living human heritageRepresentative2012Shared with United Arab Emirates, Austria, Czech Republic, Belgium, Hungary, South Korea, Mongolia, Morocco, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Morocco and Syria
Fiesta of the patios in CordovaRepresentative2012
Festivity of ‘la Mare de Déu de la Salut’ of AlgemesíRepresentative2011
Revitalization of the traditional craftsmanship of lime-making in Morón de la Frontera, Seville, AndalusiaBest practice2011
Chant of the Sybil on MajorcaRepresentative2010
FlamencoRepresentative2010
Human towersCataloniaRepresentative2010
Mediterranean dietRepresentative2010Shared with Greece, Italy and Morocco
Centre for traditional culture – school museum of Pusol pedagogic projectBest practice2009
Irrigators’ tribunals of the Spanish Mediterranean coast: the Council of Wise Men of the plain of Murcia and the Water Tribunal of the plain of ValenciaRepresentative2009
Whistled language of the island of La Gomera (Canary Islands), the Silbo GomeroLa GomeraRepresentative2009
Mystery play of ElcheElcheRepresentative2008
Patum of BergaRepresentative2008

Turkey

Mesir Macunu Mevlevi Sema ceremony

Official nameLocation(s)ListYear inscribedNotes
Mesir Macunu festivalManisaRepresentative2012
Ceremonial Keşkek traditionRepresentative2011
Kırkpınar oil wrestling festivalEdirneRepresentative2010
Semah, Alevi-Bektaşi ritualThe Alevi ceremonies in rural locations are often not open to public. In the large cities, it is best to check out the _cem evi_s, which double as houses of worship and cultural centres for the Alevis, if you can partake. In August, an annual and open-to-all semah is held in Hacıbektaş, the site of the shrine of Hacı Bektaş Veli, a major Alevi/Bektaşi saint.Representative2010
Traditional Sohbet meetingsRepresentative2010
Âşıklık (minstrelsy) traditionRepresentative2009
KaragözRepresentative2009
Novruz, Nowrouz, Nooruz, Navruz, Nauroz, NevruzRepresentative2009Shared with Azerbaijan, Iran, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, India and Uzbekistan
Arts of the Meddah, public storytellersRepresentative2008
Mevlevi Sema ceremonyThe dervish lodges, _mevlevihane_s, across the country regularly hold Semas. The largest ceremony is annually held in Konya, where Rumi lived and taught, on the night of Şeb-i Arus ("the wedding night", Dec 17), to commemorate the death of Rumi, or according to the Sufi view, his reunion with the God. The weekly ceremonies held in the Galata Dervish Lodge in Istanbul may provide an easier rendezvous.Representative2008

Ukraine

Official nameLocation(s)ListYear inscribedNotes
Culture of Ukrainian borscht cookingSafeguarding2022

North America

Belize

Language, dance and music of the Garifuna

Official nameLocation(s)ListYear inscribedNotes
Language, dance and music of the GarifunaRepresentative2008Shared with Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua

Costa Rica

Official nameLocation(s)ListYear inscribedNotes
Oxherding and oxcart traditions in Costa RicaRepresentative2008

Cuba

Official nameLocation(s)ListYear inscribedNotes
La Tumba FrancesaRepresentative2008

Dominican Republic

Official nameLocation(s)ListYear inscribedNotes
Cocolo dance drama traditionRepresentative2008
Cultural space of the Brotherhood of the Holy Spirit of the Congos of Villa MellaRepresentative2008
Music and Dance of the Merengue in the Dominican RepublicRepresentative2016
Music and Dance of Dominican BachataRepresentative2019

Guatemala

Xylophone band performing at a Rabinal Achí event

Official nameLocation(s)ListYear inscribedNotes
Language, dance and music of the GarifunaRepresentative2008Shared with Belize, Honduras and Nicaragua
Rabinal Achí dance drama traditionRepresentative2008

Honduras

Official nameLocation(s)ListYear inscribedNotes
Language, dance and music of the GarifunaRepresentative2008Shared with Belize, Guatemala and Nicaragua

Jamaica

Official nameLocation(s)ListYear inscribedNotes
Maroon heritage of Moore TownRepresentative2008

Mexico

Mariachi Day of the Dead

Official nameLocation(s)ListYear inscribedNotes
Xtaxkgakget Makgkaxtlawana: the Centre for Indigenous Arts and its contribution to safeguarding the intangible cultural heritage of the Totonac people of Veracruz, MexicoBest practice2012
Mariachi, string music, song and trumpetRepresentative2011
Parachicos in the traditional January feast of Chiapa de CorzoRepresentative2010
Pirekua, traditional song of the P’urhépechaRepresentative2010
Traditional Mexican cuisine - ancestral, ongoing community culture, the Michoacán paradigmRepresentative2010
Places of memory and living traditions of the Otomí-Chichimecas people of Tolimán: the Peña de Bernal, guardian of a sacred territoryRepresentative2009
Ritual ceremony of the VoladoresRepresentative2009
Indigenous festivity dedicated to the deadRepresentative2008

Nicaragua

El Güegüense

Official nameLocation(s)ListYear inscribedNotes
El GüegüenseRepresentative2008
Language, dance and music of the GarifunaRepresentative2008Shared with Belize, Guatemala and Honduras

Oceania

Tonga

Lakalaka

Official nameLocation(s)ListYear inscribedNotes
Lakalaka, dances and sung speeches of TongaRepresentative2008

Vanuatu

Official nameLocation(s)ListYear inscribedNotes
Vanuatu sand drawingsRepresentative2008

South America

Argentina

Tango

Official nameLocation(s)ListYear inscribedNotes
TangoRepresentative2009Shared with Uruguay

Bolivia

Carnival of Oruro

Official nameLocation(s)ListYear inscribedNotes
Andean cosmovision of the KallawayaRepresentative2008
Carnival of OruroRepresentative2008
Ichapekene Piesta, the biggest festival of San Ignacio de MoxosRepresentative2012
Safeguarding intangible cultural heritage of Aymara communities in Bolivia, Chile and PeruBest practice2009Shared with Chile and Peru

Brazil

Yaowka

Official nameLocation(s)ListYear inscribedNotes
Call for projects of the National Programme of Intangible HeritageBest practice2011
Fandango's Living MuseumBest practice2011
Frevo, performing arts of the Carnival of RecifeRepresentative2012
Oral and graphic expressions of the WajapiRepresentative2008
Samba de Roda of the Recôncavo of BahiaRepresentative2008
Yaokwa, the Enawene Nawe people's ritual for the maintenance of social and cosmic orderSafeguarding2011

Chile

Official nameLocation(s)ListYear inscribedNotes
Safeguarding intangible cultural heritage of Aymara communities in Bolivia, Chile and PeruBest practice2009Shared with Bolivia and Peru

Colombia

Marimba music Carneval de Negros y Blancos

Official nameLocation(s)ListYear inscribedNotes
Festival of Saint Francis of Assisi, QuibdóRepresentative2012
Traditional knowledge of the jaguar shamans of YuruparíRepresentative2011
Marimba music and traditional chants from Colombia’s South Pacific regionRepresentative2010
Wayuu normative system, applied by the Pütchipü’üi (palabrero)Representative2010
Carnaval de Negros y BlancosRepresentative2009
Holy Week processions in PopayánRepresentative2009
Carnival of BarranquillaRepresentative2008
Cultural space of Palenque de San BasilioRepresentative2008

Ecuador

Toquilla straw hat, aka Panama hat

Official nameLocation(s)ListYear inscribedNotes
Traditional weaving of the Ecuadorian toquilla straw hatRepresentative2012
Oral heritage and cultural manifestations of the Zápara peopleRepresentative2008Shared with Peru

Peru

Shrine of the Lord, Qoyllurit'i

Official nameLocation(s)ListYear inscribedNotes
Eshuva, Harákmbut sung prayers of Peru’s Huachipaire peopleSafeguarding2011
Pilgrimage to the sanctuary of the Lord of Qoyllurit’iRepresentative2011
Huaconada, ritual dance of MitoRepresentative2010
Scissors danceRepresentative2010
Safeguarding intangible cultural heritage of Aymara communities in Bolivia, Chile and PeruBest practice2009Shared with Bolivia and Chile
Oral heritage and cultural manifestations of the Zápara peopleRepresentative2008Shared with Ecuador
Taquile and its textile artRepresentative2008

Uruguay

Candombe music performance

Official nameLocation(s)ListYear inscribedNotes
Candombe and its socio-cultural space: a community practiceRepresentative2009
TangoRepresentative2009Shared with Argentina

Venezuela

Dancing devils of Yare mask

Official nameLocation(s)ListYear inscribedNotes
Venezuela's Dancing Devils of Corpus ChristiRepresentative2012

Related: UNESCO World Heritage List

Related: UNESCO Creative Cities

Related: United Nations