Most of us know UNESCO for its work protecting famous historical sites, those stunning monuments you dream of visiting. But did you know UNESCO also looks after something less tangible? Since 2003, they’ve been safeguarding ‘intangible cultural heritage.’
What does this mean? It’s all about the living traditions passed down through generations. Think of performances, rituals, festive events, oral traditions, knowledge, skills, and crafts that color every community. Imagine the lively tango in Argentina or the dynamic Capoeira circles in Brazil – those are perfect examples.
Some traditions on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity seem obvious. Others might catch you by surprise. However, even if some customs seem unusual at first glance, a closer look reveals just how deeply meaningful and symbolic each one truly is. Let’s dive into ten traditions that showcase this incredible diversity.
10. Grass Mowing Competition in Kupres
It might sound like a simple chore, but in Kupres, Bosnia and Herzegovina, mowing the lawn is a serious tradition. The annual grass-mowing competition, known locally as Strljanica, was added to UNESCO’s list in 2020. Held every July, this event is more than just cutting grass; it’s a cornerstone of the area’s cultural identity.
Participants use traditional, hand-forged scythes. The competition judges on time, effort, and the amount of grass mown. It’s open to everyone in Kupres, regardless of background, playing a vital role in uniting the community. The champion is seen as a leader, ensuring all fields are successfully mown for the community’s agriculture. It’s a fantastic example of how a shared task can build strong bonds.
9. The Art of Making and Sharing Couscous
In Algeria, Mauritania, Morocco, and Tunisia, the way couscous is prepared, made, and eaten is deeply symbolic. This tradition, recognized by UNESCO in 2020, is all about solidarity and togetherness, making it an important ceremonial process. It’s titled “Knowledge, Know-How, and Practices Pertaining to the Production and Consumption of Couscous.”
Every step, from growing the grain to grinding seeds, cooking, and finally eating the dish, is ritualistic. Specific tools and utensils are used, and even making these tools is part of the tradition, often done by local potters or family businesses. Many rituals, social practices, and stories are tied to couscous, making it a vital and tasty part of these cultures.
8. The Mediterranean Diet
The delicious and healthy way of eating found in Mediterranean countries like Cyprus, Croatia, Spain, Greece, Italy, Morocco, and Portugal is itself a UNESCO-protected tradition. Added in 2013, the Mediterranean diet includes specific knowledge, skills, rituals, and symbols related to how food is grown, cooked, and enjoyed.
Communal eating is a key part of cultural identity in the Mediterranean. It brings people together for social exchange and strengthens community bonds. The diet highlights important Mediterranean values like hospitality, neighborliness, creativity, and respect for diversity. So, that tasty plate of pasta is more than just food; it’s a cultural experience!
7. The Art of Neapolitan ‘Pizzaiuolo’
Speaking of Italian delights, did you know that the art of making pizza in Naples, Italy, is also protected by UNESCO? Since 2017, this culinary practice has been recognized as an art form requiring special skills passed down through generations. The pizza chefs, or ‘Pizzaiuoli,’ are masters of this craft.
The process involves preparing the dough and baking it in a wood-fired oven, a specific Neapolitan technique. Aspiring Pizzaiuoli often learn through apprenticeships in workshops called ‘bottega,’ where they observe master chefs. Around 3,000 Pizzaiuoli continue this tradition in Naples, where it all began. It’s truly a living art form.
6. Beer Culture in Belgium
Belgium is famous for its beer, with nearly 1,500 brands and over 700 taste profiles. This beverage is a big part of daily life and festive occasions. UNESCO recognized Belgian beer culture in 2016, highlighting its role in the living heritage of local communities.
The tradition dates back to the Middle Ages when Trappist monasteries brewed beer to support themselves. Six of these monasteries still produce beer today, with much of the profit going to charity. Beer is even used in cooking, in dishes like beer-washed cheese or beef and beer stew. The skills of beer making are passed down through families, social circles, and formal training programs.
5. Craftsmanship of Mechanical Watchmaking and Art Mechanics
This tradition covers the amazing skills needed to create objects that measure time, like watches and clocks. It also includes art mechanics – think intricate automata, mechanical sculptures, music boxes, and singing birds. These creations often have a fascinating, almost steampunk, aesthetic.
The Jura Arc region in Switzerland and France is a hub for this craft. UNESCO recognized it in 2020, noting it’s at the crossroads of science, art, and technology. The tradition values punctuality, patience, and perseverance. It also has a philosophical side, reflecting the endless quest for precision and understanding the nature of time.
4. Avalanche Risk Management
In the Alpine regions of Switzerland and Austria, managing avalanche risk is a critical tradition protected by UNESCO since 2018. The Alps are densely populated, and avalanches are a constant winter threat. Over centuries, locals have developed vital knowledge and strategies to deal with this danger.
This traditional knowledge keeps evolving, now helped by modern measuring tools and risk mapping. UNESCO protected this tradition because it’s deeply woven into the everyday culture of these communities. It requires a strong understanding of nature and stresses the importance of solidarity, especially in crises. It’s a tradition that literally saves lives.
3. Hawker Culture in Singapore
Singapore’s hawker culture, recognized by UNESCO in 2020, is all about community dining in a multicultural city. Evolving from street food, hawkers prepare a wide variety of delicious ‘hawker food.’ People dine and socialize at hawker centers, which are like large, vibrant food courts.
These centers are inspired by Singapore’s mix of cultures, allowing people from diverse backgrounds to eat together. Alongside the food, activities like chess, busking, and art jamming take place. Some hawkers started in the 1960s, passing their skills down through families or via training programs. It’s a wonderful blend of food, family, and fun.
2. Gastronomic Meal of the French
It’s clear by now that UNESCO values culinary traditions! The “Gastronomic Meal of the French” is another esteemed practice on the list. This isn’t just any meal; it’s a festive event for important occasions, bringing people together to enjoy the art of fine eating and drinking.
Several key elements make it special: careful selection of dishes, high-quality local products, pairing food with wine, elegant table settings, and specific dining etiquette. The meal follows a set structure: an aperitif, at least four courses (starter, main fish or meat dish with vegetables, cheese, and dessert), and finally, liqueurs. It’s a true celebration of taste and togetherness.
1. Idea and Practice of Organizing Shared Interests in Cooperatives
This tradition from Germany, protected by UNESCO since 2016, might seem a bit different, but it has a huge impact. Cooperatives are volunteer associations that provide social, cultural, and economic services to communities. They aim to improve living standards and find solutions to societal challenges, promoting positive change.
While cooperatives exist worldwide, the German model has deep historical roots, based on the idea of “helping people to help themselves.” Participation is open to everyone, and they even offer low-interest loans. About a quarter of Germany’s population belongs to a cooperative. This system shows how shared effort can create a stronger, more supportive society for generations.
These ten traditions are just a small sample of the rich and diverse intangible cultural heritage UNESCO strives to protect. They remind us that culture is not just about ancient buildings, but also about the living, breathing practices that define and unite communities across the globe.
Conclusion
From the rhythmic swing of a scythe in Bosnia and Herzegovina to the meticulous art of watchmaking in the Jura Arc, UNESCO’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage opens a window to the soul of humanity. These traditions, sometimes surprising and often deeply rooted in daily life, showcase the incredible creativity, resilience, and community spirit found across cultures. They are more than just customs; they are living expressions of identity, passed down with care, connecting generations and enriching our world. Protecting these treasures ensures that the vibrant tapestry of human experience continues to thrive for years to come.
Which of these traditions surprised you the most? Do you know of any other unique cultural practices? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
