From salt made by hand on a Philippine island, to ceremonial dances in Kenya and ancient textile traditions in Belarus, the UN cultural agency has added a diverse range of living traditions to its global lists of culture at risk, highlighting both the richness of expression and the urgent need to safeguard heritage.
Unlike monuments or historic sites, “intangible cultural heritage” refers to living practices – traditions, skills, rituals, music, crafts and social customs that communities pass on from one generation to the next. ?
Through its lists, the UN Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization () works with governments and communities to promote these traditions, strengthen transmission and mobilise support to ensure their survival, particularly where they are threatened by social, economic or environmental change.
Traditions in urgent need of safeguarding
This year, several elements were added to the?, which recognizes practices facing serious risk of disappearance.
In?Viet Nam, the craft of ??ng H? folk woodblock printing – known for its colourful hand-printed scenes of daily life, history and worship – was recognised for its fully manual process using carved wooden blocks, natural pigments and special paper coated with scallop powder. Once widespread, the tradition is now in decline.
The Mwazindika spiritual dance of the Daida community in?Kenya?was also inscribed. The practice combines dance, ritual, music and storytelling to promote healing, protection and spiritual balance during rites of passage, harvests and times of crisis.
Other newly safeguarded traditions include?Pakistan’s Boreendo clay musical instrument,?Panama’s quincha mud-house construction techniques,?Paraguay’s ?ai’?po ceramic craftsmanship, the?Philippines’ labour-intensive Asin Tibuok artisanal sea salt,?Portugal’s moliceiro wooden boats, the Kobyz string instrument of?Uzbekistan,?Albania’s lahuta epic singing, landships cultural traditions in?Barbados, and the Negliubka textile tradition of?Belarus.
Living heritage celebrated worldwide
UNESCO also added new elements to the?, which highlights traditions that embody cultural diversity and human creativity.
Among the inscriptions is the Bisht, a ceremonial men’s garment worn across several Middle Eastern countries including?Qatar,?Iraq,?Jordan?and the?United Arab Emirates, symbolizing respect and social standing during major life events.
In?Venezuela, Joropo, a lively tradition combining music, poetry and dance shaped by Indigenous, African and European influences, was recognized for its central role in festivals and community life.
Bolivia’s Festivity of the Virgin of Guadalupe in Sucre,?Argentina’s energetic dance-music genre cuarteto, Tangail saree weaving in?Bangladesh, Behzad-style miniature art associated with?Afghanistan,?Belgian?rod marionette theatre,?Belize’s Christmas Bram and Sambai celebrations,?Bulgarian?bagpipe traditions, and Zaffa wedding procession across parts of?Africa?and the?Middle East?were also added.
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