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As many history enthusiasts are aware, UNESCO has been committed to preserving historic landmarks and monuments since the World Heritage Convention was established in 1972. You may have even checked off a few of these celebrated World Heritage Sites from your travel list. What fewer people know, however, is that since 2003, UNESCO has also been dedicated to safeguarding specific forms of intangible cultural heritage that reflect the diverse cultures of the world.
So, what exactly is intangible cultural heritage? It's the living traditions and expressions that have been passed down from one generation to the next. These include performing arts, rituals, festive occasions, oral traditions, knowledge, skills, practices, and crafts that bring life to every community, nation, and culture. Consider Argentina’s tango or Brazil’s Capoeira—it’s these kinds of traditions that fall under this category.
Some of the traditions featured on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity may appear to be expected, while others might surprise you. But, when you take a deeper look, you’ll realize how rich and meaningful each of these customs truly is.
10. Lawn Mowing
Each year, the residents of Kupres, a municipality in Bosnia and Herzegovina, participate in a mowing competition that was officially inscribed into UNESCO’s list in 2020, recognized as the “Grass Mowing Competition Custom in Kupres.” Taking place every July, this unique event is an important part of the region's cultural fabric. Open to all residents of Kupres, no matter their ethnicity or religion, it serves as a powerful symbol of unity within the community.
The contest, locally known as Strljanica, takes its name from the meadow where it is held. Participants use a traditionally crafted scythe to manually mow the grass, with the winner determined by the amount mown, the time taken, and the effort exerted. While the top three competitors are celebrated at the end, the winner is honored as a community leader, responsible for the success of the collective agricultural effort. It’s incredible how something as simple as mowing grass can help strengthen community bonds.
9. With a Side of Couscous
In countries like Algeria, Mauritania, Morocco, and Tunisia, the preparation, production, and consumption of couscous is seen as a deeply symbolic tradition. It is imbued with social and cultural significance, representing unity and solidarity. No surprise, then, that UNESCO added this important practice to its representative list in 2020 under the title “Knowledge, Know-How, and Practices Pertaining to the Production and Consumption of Couscous.”
Every step of the couscous process—cultivating the grain, grinding the seeds, cooking the dish, and sharing it—is a ritual, with each phase requiring specific tools and methods. Even the crafting of the utensils used is significant, with local potters and family-run cooperatives handmaking the clay and wooden tools. Countless rituals, social customs, and oral traditions accompany the process, making couscous an essential part of these cultures' heritage. And, of course, it's delicious!
8. The Mediterranean Diet
The Mediterranean diet, celebrated across countries such as Cyprus, Croatia, Spain, Greece, Italy, Morocco, and Portugal, has become a UNESCO-recognized tradition since its inscription in 2013. This diet is not just about the food itself, but also encompasses the cultural knowledge, techniques, rituals, and symbolic practices related to food production and consumption. The artisanal production of tableware associated with the diet is also an essential aspect of the cultural tradition.
In the Mediterranean region, the practice of communal dining is deeply intertwined with cultural identity. It fosters social and familial connections and serves as a foundation for intercultural exchange and respect for diversity. This tradition highlights values like creativity, hospitality, and neighborliness. So, the next time you enjoy a plate of pasta in Italy, remember that it's not just a meal—it's a cultural experience!
7. Let’s Have a Pizza…
Building on the Mediterranean diet, did you know that the art of making pizza in Naples, Italy, is also UNESCO-protected? Since 2017, the art of crafting Neapolitan pizza—known as 'Pizzaiuolo'—has been recognized as an art form, passed down through generations. Pizzaiuoli (pizza chefs) specialize in the preparation of this iconic dish, with approximately 3,000 of them currently practicing in Naples, the birthplace of this culinary tradition. These chefs are classified based on their expertise, including the baker, Pizzaiuolo, and Master Pizzaiuolo.
The practice involves a detailed process, beginning with preparing the dough and ending with its baking in a traditional wood-fired oven. This skill can be passed on through various methods, including formal courses and apprenticeships. However, the primary way of learning is through workshops called 'bottega,' where young trainees can observe masters honing their craft and pick up each element of the process. I’m ready to join the learning now!
6. …And Some Beer
Belgium’s reputation for beer is well-known. With nearly 1,500 brands and more than 700 distinct flavor profiles, beer is an integral part of daily life and celebratory events in the country. Certain regions even specialize in unique brews, and the beverage is frequently used in cooking—think beer-washed cheese and carbonade flamande (beef and beer stew).
Since 2016, UNESCO has recognized the role beer-making and its appreciation play in Belgium’s cultural heritage, inscribing it as 'Beer Culture in Belgium.' The tradition dates back to the Middle Ages, when Trappist monasteries brewed beer to fund their activities. Even today, six Trappist communities continue the practice, with proceeds now supporting charitable causes. Beer knowledge and brewing skills are passed down through family, social gatherings, or formal education through classes at breweries, universities, and public training. Why wasn’t this offered at my university?
5. A Perfect Timepiece
As the name implies, this tradition focuses on the skills and craftsmanship involved in creating timepieces, including watches, clocks, and chronometers. It also explores the fascinating world of art mechanics, such as art automata, mechanical androids, sculptures, paintings, music boxes, and songbirds. These objects contain mechanical devices that generate movement or produce sound, so if you're imagining steampunk-inspired designs, you're on the right track.
The Jura Arc region, spanning Switzerland and France, remains a hub of watchmaking craftsmanship and artistry. The tradition has shaped both the urban and social landscapes of the region. The presence of skilled craftspeople practicing and promoting this art led to UNESCO recognizing the region’s contribution to science, art, and technology. In 2020, the 'Craftsmanship of Mechanical Watchmaking and Art Mechanics' was inscribed by UNESCO. This tradition emphasizes values like punctuality, patience, and perseverance, and also carries a philosophical depth—embodying the 'infinite quest for precision' and the intangible nature of time measurement.
4. Controlling a Snowy Mountain
In Switzerland, as well as in Austria, the Alpine populations have developed crucial methods for managing avalanche risks, a practice that earned UNESCO recognition in 2018 under the name 'Avalanche Risk Management.' The Alps are home to many communities, and the constant threat of avalanches is a serious concern each winter. Over centuries, locals have developed a wealth of knowledge, cultural practices, and strategies to manage and avoid risks. This traditional knowledge continues to evolve, now supported by modern measurement tools and risk mapping.
One of the primary reasons UNESCO chose to protect this tradition is its deep integration into the daily life of the Alpine communities. It requires a profound understanding of nature and highlights the importance of solidarity in times of crisis. This is not just a cultural practice; it has the potential to save lives.
3. Turn to the Co-Op
At first, this tradition might appear somewhat unconventional and perhaps not the most exciting. However, it plays a significant role in many people's lives and has a genuinely heartwarming history. While cooperatives exist globally, the practice in Germany has been recognized by UNESCO since 2016 under the title 'Idea and Practice of Organizing Shared Interests in Cooperatives.' These cooperatives are volunteer-based groups that offer social, cultural, and economic services to local communities. Their mission is to enhance living standards and address common societal challenges, aiming to foster positive change.
Cooperatives have roots in the Middle Ages, but the foundations of modern cooperatives in Germany were established in the mid-19th century. They operate on the subsidiary principle, prioritizing personal responsibility over state intervention, encapsulating the principle of 'helping people help themselves.' Membership is open to all, and the system also provides low-interest loans to those who need them. Given that many individuals, organizations, and groups benefit from these cooperatives, it’s not surprising that around a quarter of Germany’s population is a member. With UNESCO’s endorsement, these cooperatives will likely continue to support those in need for generations to come.
2. Bon Appétit
By now, it's clear that many culinary traditions hold UNESCO’s protection, and the 'Gastronomic Meal of the French' is no exception. This tradition is practiced during significant celebrations and special occasions. At its core, it’s a festive gathering that unites people to savor and appreciate the art of food and drink. UNESCO recognizes its cultural importance because it highlights unity, the enjoyment of flavor, and the harmonious relationship between humanity and nature's offerings.
Several key elements distinguish the gastronomic meal from an average family dinner. The deliberate selection of dishes, the purchase of high-quality ingredients, the careful pairing of food with wine, the arrangement of the table, and specific actions during the meal are all integral to the process. The meal follows a set structure, beginning with an aperitif, followed by at least four courses: a starter, a main dish of either fish or meat with vegetables, a cheese selection, and finally, dessert. To top it all off, liqueurs are served at the end, hopefully aiding in the digestion of the large feast.
1. Hawker Food
In 2020, UNESCO inscribed Singapore’s hawker culture, a practice rooted in community dining and culinary traditions within the vibrant, multicultural urban environment. Originally stemming from street food culture, hawkers prepare a variety of 'hawker food' at bustling hawker centers (large food courts) where people gather to dine and socialize. The food takes inspiration from the city’s rich cultural fusion, providing a space for individuals from diverse backgrounds to come together. The experience is enhanced by activities such as chess, busking, and art jamming, making it a crucial social hub that has rightly earned recognition for its role in enhancing community well-being and interactions.
Some of the longest-serving hawkers in the city began their craft in the 1960s, honing their skills and knowledge over time. The tradition is passed down through generations within families, and training programs, events, and projects ensure that the practice is preserved for the future. Food, family, and fun—what could be better?
