UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Lists


established its Lists of Intangible Cultural Heritage with the aim of ensuring better protection of important intangible cultural heritages worldwide and the awareness of their significance. This list is published by the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage, the members of which are elected by State Parties meeting in a General Assembly.
Through a compendium of the different oral and intangible treasures of humankind worldwide, the programme aims to draw attention to the importance of safeguarding intangible heritage, which UNESCO has identified as an essential component and as a repository of cultural diversity and of creative expression.
The list was established in 2008 when the 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage took effect.
the programme compiles two lists. The longer, Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, comprises cultural "practices and expressions help demonstrate the diversity of this heritage and raise awareness about its importance." The shorter, List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding, is composed of those cultural elements that concerned communities and countries consider to require urgent measures to keep them alive.
In 2013 four elements were inscribed on the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding, which helps States Parties mobilize international cooperation and assistance to ensure the transmission of this heritage with the participation of the concerned communities. The Urgent Safeguarding List now numbers 35 elements.
The Committee also inscribed 25 elements on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, which serves to raise awareness of intangible heritage and provide recognition to communities’ traditions and know-how that reflect their cultural diversity. The List does not attribute or recognize any standard of excellence or exclusivity. The list totaled 508 elements corresponding to 122 countries.
Elements inscribed in the lists are deemed significant bastions of humanity's intangible heritage, the highest honor for intangible heritage in the world stage.

Representative list of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity

The Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity contains intangible cultural heritage elements that "help demonstrate the diversity of cultural heritage and raise awareness about its importance".
Member stateElementYear proclaimedYear inscribedRegionReference
Albanian folk iso-polyphony20052008ENA'
Ahellil of Gourara20052008AST'
Rites and craftsmanship associated with the wedding costume tradition of Tlemcen2012AST'
Annual pilgrimage to the mausoleum of Sidi 'Abd el-Qader Ben Mohammed 2017AST'
Ritual and ceremonies of Sebeïba in the oasis of Djanet, Algeria2014AST'
Sbuâ, annual pilgrimage to the zawiya of Sidi El Hadj Belkacem in Gourara2015AST'


Practices and knowledge linked to the Imzad of the Tuareg communities of Algeria, Mali and Niger2013AFR, AST


Summer solstice fire festivals in the Pyrenees2015ENA
Filete porteño in Buenos Aires, a traditional painting technique2015LAC

Tango2009LAC
Duduk and its music20052008ENA
Armenian cross-stones art. Symbolism and craftsmanship of Khachkars2010ENA
Performance of the Armenian epic of 'Daredevils of Sassoun' or 'David of Sassoun'2012ENA
Lavash, the preparation, meaning and appearance of traditional bread as an expression of culture in Armenia2014ENA
Kochari, traditional group dance2017ENA
Armenian letter art and its cultural expressions2019ENA
Schemenlaufen, the carnival of Imst, Austria2012ENA
Classical horsemanship and the High School of the Spanish Riding School Vienna2015ENA




Blaudruck/Modrotisk/Kékfestés/Modrotlač, resist block printing and indigo dyeing in Europe2018ENA


Transhumance, the seasonal droving of livestock along migratory routes in the Mediterranean and in the Alps2019ENA
Azerbaijani Mugham20032008APA
Art of Azerbaijani Ashiq2009APA
Traditional art of Azerbaijani carpet weaving in the Republic of Azerbaijan2010APA
Craftsmanship and performance art of the Tar, a long-necked string musical instrument2012APA
Traditional art and symbolism of Kelaghayi, making and wearing women's silk headscarves2014APA
Copper craftsmanship of Lahij2015APA
Dolma making and sharing tradition, a marker of cultural identity2017APA

Art of crafting and playing with Kamantcheh/Kamancha, a bowed string musical instrument2017APA











Nawrouz, Novruz, Nowrouz, Nowrouz, Nawrouz, Nauryz, Nooruz, Nowruz, Navruz, Nevruz, Nowruz, Navruz2016APA




Flatbread making and sharing culture: Lavash, Katyrma, Jupka, Yufka2016APA


Heritage of Dede Qorqud/Korkyt Ata/Dede Korkut, epic culture, folk tales and music2018APA













Date palm, knowledge, skills, traditions and practices2019ARB
Baul songs20052008APA
Traditional art of Jamdani weaving2013APA
Mangal Shobhajatra on Pahela Baishakh2016APA
Traditional art of Shital Pati weaving of Sylhet2017APA

















Falconry, a living human heritage2010AFR, APA, AST, ENA



Majlis, a cultural and social space20152015ARB



Arabic coffee, a symbol of generosity20152015ARB

Al-Taghrooda, traditional Bedouin chanted poetry2012ARB

Al-Razfa, a traditional performing art2015ARB
Annual celebration in honor of Our Lady of Budslau2018ENA
Carnival of Binche20032008ENA
Procession of the Holy Blood in Bruges2009ENA
Houtem Jaarmarkt, annual winter fair and livestock market at Sint-Lievens-Houtem2010ENA
Krakelingen and Tonnekensbrand, end-of-winter bread and fire feast at Geraardsbergen2010ENA
Leuven age set ritual repertoire2011ENA
Marches of Entre-Sambre-et-Meuse2012ENA
Shrimp fishing on horseback in Oostduinkerke2013ENA
Beer culture in Belgium2016ENA
Ommegang of Brussels, an annual historical procession and popular festival2019ENA

Processional giants and dragons in Belgium and France20052008ENA



Language, dance and music of the Garifuna20012008LAC


Oral heritage of Gelede20012008AFR
Mask dance of the drums from Drametse20052008APA
Andean cosmovision of the Kallawaya20032008LAC
Carnival of Oruro20012008LAC
Ichapekene Piesta, the biggest festival of San Ignacio de Moxos2012LAC
Pujllay and Ayarichi, music and dances of the Yampara culture2014LAC
Ritual journeys in La Paz during Alasita2017LAC
:es:Fiesta del Gran Poder|The festival of the Santísima Trinidad del Señor Jesús del Gran Poder in the city of La Paz2019LAC
Zmijanje embroidery2014ENA
Konjic woodcarving2017ENA
Picking of iva grass on Ozren mountain2018ENA
Oral and graphic expressions of the Wajapi20032008LAC
Samba de Roda of the Recôncavo of Bahia20052008LAC
Frevo, performing arts of the Carnival of Recife2012LAC
Círio de Nazaré in the city of Belém, Pará2013LAC
Capoeira circle2014LAC
Cultural Complex of Bumba-meu-boi from Maranhão2019LAC
Bistritsa Babi, archaic polyphony, dances and rituals from the Shoplouk region20052008ENA
Nestinarstvo, messages from the past: the Panagyr of Saints Constantine and Helena in the village of Bulgari2009ENA
The tradition of carpet-making in Chiprovtsi2014ENA
Surva folk feast in Pernik region2015ENA



Cultural practices associated with 1 March2017ENA


Cultural practices and expressions linked to the balafon of the Senufo communities of Mali, Burkina Faso and Côte d'Ivoire2012AFR
Ritual dance of the royal drum2014AFR
Morna, musical practice of Cabo Verde2019AFC
Royal ballet of Cambodia20032008APA
Sbek Thom, Khmer shadow theatre20052008APA



Tugging rituals and games2015APA
Polyphonic singing of the Aka Pygmies of Central Africa20032008AFR
Baile Chino2014LAC
Kun Qu opera20012008APA
Guqin and its music20032008APA
Uyghur Muqam of Xinjiang20052008APA
Art of Chinese seal engraving2009APA
China engraved block printing technique2009APA
Chinese calligraphy2009APA
Chinese paper-cut2009APA
Chinese traditional architectural craftsmanship for timber-framed structures2009APA
Craftsmanship of Nanjing Yunjin brocade2009APA
Dragon Boat festival2009APA
Farmers' dance of China’s Korean ethnic group2009APA
Gesar epic tradition2009APA
Grand song of the Dong ethnic group2009APA
Hua'er2009APA
Manas2009APA
Mazu belief and customs2009APA
Nanyin2009APA
Regong arts2009APA
Sericulture and silk craftsmanship of China2009APA
Tibetan opera2009APA
Traditional firing technology of Longquan celadon2009APA
Traditional handicrafts of making Xuan paper2009APA
Xi'an wind and percussion ensemble2009APA
Yueju opera2009APA
Acupuncture and moxibustion of traditional Chinese medicine2010APA
Peking opera2010APA
Chinese shadow puppetry2011APA
Chinese Zhusuan, knowledge and practices of mathematical calculation through the abacus2013APA
The Twenty-Four Solar Terms, knowledge of time and practices developed in China through observation of the sun’s annual motion2016APA
Lum medicinal bathing of Sowa Rigpa, knowledge and practices concerning life, health and illness prevention and treatment among the Tibetan people in China2018APA

Mongolian Urtiin Duu – Traditional Folk Long Song20052008APA
Carnival of Barranquilla20032008LAC
Cultural space of Palenque de San Basilio20052008LAC
Carnaval de Negros y Blancos2009LAC
Holy Week processions in Popayán2009LAC
Wayuu normative system, applied by the Pütchipü’üi 2010LAC
Traditional knowledge of the jaguar shamans of Yuruparí2011LAC
Festival of Saint Francis of Assisi, Quibdó2012LAC

Marimba music, traditional chants and dances from the Colombia South Pacific region and Esmeraldas Province of Ecuador2015LAC
Oxherding and oxcart traditions in Costa Rica20052008LAC
Gbofe of Afounkaha, the music of the transverse trumps of the Tagbana community20012008AFR
Zaouli, popular music and dance of the Guro communities in Côte d'Ivoire2017AFR
Zvončari, annual carnival bell ringers' pageant from the Kastav area2009ENA
Festivity of Saint Blaise, the patron of Dubrovnik2009ENA
Lacemaking in Croatia2009ENA
Procession Za Krizen on the island of Hvar2009ENA
Spring procession of Ljelje/Kraljice from Gorjani2009ENA
Traditional manufacturing of children’s wooden toys in Hrvatsko Zagorje2009ENA
Two-part singing and playing in the Istrian scale2009ENA
Gingerbread craft from Northern Croatia2010ENA
Sinjska alka, a knights’ tournament in Sinj2010ENA
Bećarac singing and playing from Eastern Croatia2011ENA
Nijemo Kolo, silent circle dance of the Dalmatian hinterland2011ENA
Klapa multipart singing of Dalmatia, southern Croatia2012ENA
Međimurska popevka, a folksong from Međimurje2018ENA







Art of dry stone walling, knowledge and techniques2018ENA
La Tumba Francesa, a secular Afro-Cuban genre of dance, song, and drumming20032008LAC
Rumba in Cuba, a festive combination of music and dances and all the practices associated2016LAC
Punto2017LAC
Festivity of Las Parrandas in the centre of Cuba2018LAC
Lefkara laces or Lefkaritika2009ENA
Tsiattista poetic duelling2011ENA

Byzantine chant2019ENA
Slovácko Verbuňk, recruit dances20052008ENA
Shrovetide door-to-door processions and masks in the villages of the Hlinecko area2010ENA
Ride of the Kings in the south-east of the Czech Republic2011ENA

Puppetry in Slovakia and Czechia2016ENA
Arirang folk song in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea2014APA
Tradition of kimchi-making in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea2015APA

Traditional Korean wrestling 2018APA
Cultural Space of the Brotherhood of the Holy Spirit of the Congos of Villa Mella20012008LAC
Cocolo Dance Drama Tradition20052008LAC
Music and dance of the merengue2016LAC
Music and dance of Bachata2019LAC
Traditional weaving of the Ecuadorian toquilla straw hat2012LAC

Oral heritage and cultural manifestations of the Zápara people20012008LAC
The Al-Sirah Al-Hilaliyyah Epic20032008AST
Tahteeb, stick game2016
Kihnu cultural space20032008ENA
Seto Leelo, Seto polyphonic singing tradition2009ENA
Smoke sauna tradition in Võromaa2014ENA


Baltic song and dance celebrations20032008ENA
Commemoration feast of the finding of the True Holy Cross of Christ2013AFR
Fichee-Chambalaalla, New Year festival of the Sidama people2015AFR
Gada system, an indigenous democratic socio-political system of the Oromo2016AFR
Ethiopian epiphany2019AFR
Aubusson tapestry2009ENA
Maloya2009ENA
Scribing tradition in French timber framing2009ENA
Compagnonnage, network for on-the-job transmission of knowledge and identities2010ENA
Craftsmanship of Alençon needle lace-making2010ENA
Gastronomic meal of the French2010ENA
Equitation in the French tradition2011ENA
Fest-Noz, festive gathering based on the collective practice of traditional dances of Brittany2012ENA
Limousin septennial ostensions2013ENA
Gwoka: music, song, dance and cultural practice representative of Guadeloupean identity2014ENA
Carnival of Granville2016ENA
The skills related to perfume in Pays de Grasse: the cultivation of perfume plants, the knowledge and processing of natural raw materials, and the art of perfume composition2018ENA


Alpinism2019ENA

Kankurang, Manding initiatory rite20052008AFR
Georgian polyphonic singing20012008ENA
Ancient Georgian traditional Qvevri wine-making method2013ENA
Living culture of three writing systems of the Georgian alphabet2016ENA
Chidaoba, wrestling in Georgia2018ENA
Idea and practice of organizing shared interests in cooperatives2016ENA
Organ craftsmanship and music2017ENA
Know-how of cultivating mastic on the island of Chios2014ENA
Tinian marble craftsmanship2015ENA
Momoeria, New Year's celebration in eight villages of Kozani area, West Macedonia, Greece2016ENA
Rebetiko2017ENA






Mediterranean diet
2013ENA, AFR
Rabinal Achí dance drama tradition20052008LAC
Cultural space of Sosso-Bala20012008AFR
Busó festivities at Mohács: masked end-of-winter carnival custom2009ENA
Folk art of the Matyó, embroidery of a traditional community2012ENA
Koodiyattam: a Sanskrit theatre of Kerala20012008APA
Mudiyett: a ritual theatre and dance drama of Kerala2010APA
Vedic chantings: recitation of sacred Hindu texts20032008APA
Ramlila: the traditional performance of the Ramayana20052008APA
Ramman: a religious festival and ritual theatre of Garhwal, Uttarakhand2009APA
Kalbelia: folk songs and dances of Rajasthan2010APA
Chhau dance: a classical dance form of West Bengal2010APA
Ladakh Buddhist chantings: recitation of sacred Buddhist texts in Ladakh2012APA
Manipuri Sankirtana: a ritual singing, drumming and dancing of Manipur2013APA
Traditional brass and copper craft of utensil making among the Thatheras of Jandiala Guru, Punjab2014APA
Yoga: ancient Indian physical, mental and spiritual practices originating in ancient India2016APA
Kumbh Mela: mass Hindu pilgrimage held at Haridwar of Uttarakhand, Nashik of Maharashtra, Prayagraj of Uttar Pradesh and Ujjain of Madhya Pradesh2017APA
Wayang puppet theatre20032008APA
Indonesian Kris20052008APA-
Indonesian Batik2009APA-
Indonesian Angklung2010APA-
Three genres of Traditional dance in Bali2015APA-
Pinisi, art of boatbuilding in South Sulawesi2017APA-
Traditions of Pencak Silat2019APA-
Radif of Iranian music2009APA
Traditional skills of carpet weaving in Kashan2010APA
Traditional skills of carpet weaving in Fars2010APA
Ritual dramatic art of Ta‘zīye2010APA
Pahlevani and Zoorkhanei rituals2010APA
Music of the Bakhshis of Khorasan2010APA
Qālišuyān rituals of Mašhad-e Ardehāl in Kāšān2012APA
Chogān, a horse-riding game accompanied by music and storytelling2017APA
Traditional skills of crafting and playing Dotār2019APA
The Iraqi Maqam20032008AST
Provision of services and hospitality during the Arba'in visitation2019AST
Uilleann piping2017ENA
Camogie2018ENA
Hurling2018ENA
Irish harping2019ENA
Opera dei Pupi, Sicilian Puppet Theatre20012008ENA
Canto a tenore, Sardinian Pastoral Songs20052008ENA
Traditional violin craftsmanship in Cremona2012ENA
Celebrations of big shoulder-borne processional structures2013ENA
Traditional agricultural practice of cultivating the "vite ad alberello" of the community of Pantelleria2014ENA
Art of Neapolitan ‘Pizzaiuolo’2017ENA
Celestinian forgiveness celebration2019ENA
The Maroon Heritage of Moore Town20032008LAC
Reggae music of Jamaica2018LAC
Nôgaku Theatre20012008APA
Ningyo Johruri Bunraku Puppet Theatre20032008APA
Kabuki Theatre20052008APA
Akiu no Taue Odori2009APA
Chakkirako2009APA
Daimokutate2009APA
Dainichido Bugaku2009APA
Gagaku2009APA
Hayachine Kagura2009APA
Ojiya-chijimi, Echigo jofu: techniques of making ramie fabric in Uonuma region, Niigata Prefecture2009APA
Oku-noto no Aenokoto2009APA
Traditional Ainu dance2009APA
Kumiodori, traditional Okinawan musical theatre2010APA
Yuki tsumugi, silk fabric production technique2010APA
Mibu no Hana Taue, ritual of transplanting rice in Mibu, Hiroshima2011APA
Sada Shin Noh, sacred dancing at Sada shrine, Shimane2011APA
Nachi no Dengaku, a religious performing art held at the Nachi fire festival2012APA
Washoku, traditional dietary cultures of the Japanese, notably for the celebration of New Year2013APA
Washi, craftsmanship of traditional Japanese hand-made paper2014APA
Yama, Hoko, Yatai, float festivals2016APA
Raiho-shin, ritual visits of deities in masks and costumes2018APA
The Cultural Space of the Bedu in Petra and Wadi Rum20052008AST
As-Samer in Jordan2018AST
Kazakh traditional art of Dombra Kuy2014APA
Kazakh traditional Assyk games2017APA
Traditional spring festive rites of the Kazakh horse breeders2018APA

Traditional knowledge and skills in making Kyrgyz and Kazakh yurts2014APA

Aitysh/Aitys, art of improvisation2015APA
The Art of Akyns, Kyrgyz Epic Tellers20032008APA
Kyrgyz epic trilogy: Manas, Semetey, Seytek2013APA
Kok boru, traditional horse game2017APA
:fr:Ak-kalpak|Ak-kalpak craftsmanship, traditional knowledge and skills in making and wearing Kyrgyz men’s headwear2019APA
Khaen music of the Lao people2017APA
Zajal, recited or sung poetry20032014APA
Cross crafting and its symbolism20012008ENA
Sutartinės, Lithuanian multipart songs2010ENA
Hopping procession of Echternach2010ENA
Feast of the Holy Forty Martyrs in Štip2013ENA
Kopachkata, a social dance from the village of Dramche, Pijanec2014ENA

Spring celebration, Hıdrellez2017ENA
The Woodcrafting Knowledge of the Zafimaniry20032008AFR
The Vimbuza Healing Dance20052008AFR
Tchopa, sacrificial dance of the Lhomwe people of southern Malawi2014AFR
Nsima, culinary tradition of Malawi2017AFR
Mwinoghe, joyous dance2018AFR


The Gule Wamkulu20052008AFR
Mak Yong Theatre20052008APA
Dondang Sayang2018APA
Silat2019APA
The Cultural Space of the Yaaral and Degal20032008AFR
The Manden Charter, proclaimed in Kurukan Fuga2009AFR
The septennial re-roofing ceremony of the Kamablon, sacred house of Kangaba2009AFR
Coming forth of the masks and puppets in Markala2014AFR
Traditional Mauritian Sega2014AFR
Bhojpuri folk songs in Mauritius, Geet-Gawai2016AFR
Sega tambour of Rodrigues Island2017AFR
The Indigenous Festivity dedicated to the Dead20032008LAC
Places of memory and living traditions of the Otomí-Chichimecas people of Tolimán: the Peña de Bernal, guardian of a sacred territory2009LAC
Ritual ceremony of the Voladores: Papantla, El Tajín2009LAC
Traditional Mexican cuisine – ancestral, ongoing community culture, the Michoacán paradigm2010LAC
Parachicos in the traditional January feast of Chiapa de Corzo2010LAC
Pirekua, traditional song of the Purépecha2010LAC
Mariachi, string music, song and trumpet2011LAC
Charrería, equestrian tradition in Mexico2016LAC
La Romería: ritual cycle of 'La llevada' of the Virgin of Zapopan2018LAC

Talavera pottery2019LAC
ENA

The Christmas carols in masculine horde2013ENA

Traditional wall-carpet craftsmanship2016ENA
The Traditional Music of the Morin Khuur20032008APA
Mongolian art of singing: Khoomei2010APA
The Traditional Naadam festival2010APA
Traditional craftsmanship of the Mongol Ger and its associated customs2013APA
Mongolian knuckle-bone shooting2014APA
Traditional technique of making Airag in Khokhuur and its associated customs2019APA
The Cultural Space of Jemaa el-Fna Square20012008AST
The Moussem of Tan-Tan20052008AST
Cherry festival in Sefrou2012AST
Argan, practices and know-how concerning the argan tree2014AST
Gnawa2019AST
The Chopi Timbila20052008AFR
Oshituthi shomagongo, marula fruit festival2015AFR
Craft of the miller operating windmills and watermills2017ENA
Practices and expressions of joking relationships in Niger2014AFR
El Güegüense20052008LAC
The Ifá Divination System20052008AFR
Ijele masquerade2009AFR
The Argungu international fishing and cultural festival2016AFR
Kwagh-Hir theatrical performance2019AFR
Practice of traditional music and dance in Setesdal, playing, dancing and singing 2019ENA
Al ‘azi, elegy, processional march and poetry2012ARB
Horse and camel Ardhah2018ARB

Al-Ayyala, a traditional performing art of the Sultanate of Oman and the United Arab Emirates2014ARB
The Palestinian Hikaye20052008AST
Artisanal processes and plant fibers techniques for talcos, crinejas and pintas weaving of the pinta’o hat2017LAC
Ritual and festive expressions of the Congo culture2018LAC
Taquile and its Textile Art20052008LAC
Huaconada, ritual dance of Mito2010LAC
The scissors dance2010LAC
Pilgrimage to the sanctuary of the Lord of Qoyllurit'i2011LAC
Knowledge, skills and rituals related to the annual renewal of the Q’eswachaka bridge2013LAC
Virgen de la Candelaria, Harákmbut sung prayers of Peru's Huachipaire people2014LAC
Wititi dance of the Colca Valley2015LAC
Traditional system of Corongo’s water judges2017LAC
‘Hatajo de Negritos’ and ‘Hatajo de Pallitas’ from the Peruvian south-central coastline2019LAC
The Hudhud Chants of the Ifugao20012008APA
The Darangen Epic of the Maranao People of Lake Lanao20052008APA
Nativity scene tradition in Krakow2018ENA
The Fado, urban popular song of Portugal, performance genre incorporating music and poetry widely practised in the country and among emigrant communities2011ENA
The Cante Alentejano, polyphonic singing from Alentejo, southern Portugal2014ENA
Craftmanship of Estremoz clay figures2017ENA
Winter festivities, Carnival of Podence2019ENA
Royal Ancestral Ritual in the Jongmyo Shrine and its Music20012008APA
Pansori singing20032008APA
Gangneung Danoje Festival20052008APA
Cheoyongmu2009APA
Ganggangsullae2009APA
Jeju Chilmeoridang Yeongdeunggut2009APA
Namsadang Nori2009APA
Yeongsanjae2009APA
Daemokjang, traditional wooden architecture2010APA
Gagok, lyric song cycles accompanied by an orchestra2010APA
Jultagi, tightrope walking2011APA
Taekkyeon, a traditional Korean martial art2011APA
Weaving of Mosi in the Hansan region2011APA
Arirang, lyrical folk song in the Republic of Korea2012APA
Kimjang, making and sharing Kimchi in the Republic of Korea2013APA
Nongak, community band music, dance and rituals in the Republic of Korea2014APA
Culture of Jeju Haenyeo 20142016APA
The Căluș tradition20052008ENA
Doina2009ENA
The Horezu ceramics2012ENA
Lad's dances2015ENA
The Cultural Space and Oral Culture of the Semeiskie20012008ENA
The Olonkho, Yakut Heroic Epos20052008ENA
'Ie Samoa, fine mat and its cultural value2019APA
Alardah Alnajdiyah, dance, drumming and poetry in Saudi Arabia20152015ARB
Almezmar, drumming and dancing with sticks20162016ARB
Al-Qatt Al-Asiri, female traditional interior wall decoration in Asir, Saudi Arabia2017ARB
Xooy, a divination ceremony among the Serer of Senegal2013AFR
Slava, celebration of family saint patron’s day2014ENA
Kolo, traditional folk dance2017ENA
Singing to the accompaniment of the Gusle2018ENA
Fujara and its music20052008ENA
Music of Terchová2013ENA
Bagpipe culture2015ENA
Multipart singing of Horehronie2017ENA
Drotárstvo, wire craft and art2019ENA
Škofja Loka passion play2016ENA
Door-to-door rounds of Kurenti2017ENA
Bobbin lacemaking in Slovenia2018ENA
The Mystery Play of Elche20012008ENA
The Patum of Berga20052008ENA
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 Valencia2009ENA
Whistled language of the island of La Gomera2009ENA
Human towers2010ENA
Flamenco2010ENA
Chant of the Sybil on Majorca2010ENA
Festivity of 'la Mare de Déu de la Salut' of Algemesí2011ENA
Fiesta of the patios in Cordoba2012ENA
Valencia Falles festivity2016ENA
Tamboradas drum-playing rituals2018ENA
Rūkada Nātya, traditional string puppet drama in Sri Lanka2018APA
Winegrowers’ Festival in Vevey 2016ENA
Basel Carnival2017ENA
Holy Week processions in Mendrisio2019ENA

Avalanche risk management2018ENA
Practices and craftsmanship associated with the Damascene rose in Al-Mrah2019ARB
Oshi Palav, a traditional meal and its social and cultural contexts2016APA
Chakan, embroidery art2018APA
Khon, masked dance drama in Thailand2018APA
Nuad Thai, traditional Thai massage2019APA
The Lakalaka, Dances and Sung Speeches of Tonga20032008APA
Pottery skills of the women of Sejnane2018AST
The Arts of the Meddah, Public Storytellers20032008ENA
The Mevlevi Sema Ceremony20052008ENA
Karagöz and Hacivat2009ENA
Âşıklık tradition2009ENA
Traditional Sohbet meetings2010ENA
Kırkpınar oil wrestling festival2010ENA
Semah, Alevi-Bektaşi ritual2010ENA
Ceremonial Keşkek tradition2011ENA
Mesir Macunu festival2012ENA
Turkish coffee culture and tradition2013ENA
Ebru, Turkish art of marbling2014ENA
Traditional craftsmanship of Çini-making2016ENA
Traditional Turkish archery2019ENA
Epic art of Gorogly2015APA
Kushtdepdi rite of singing and dancing2017APA
Traditional Turkmen carpet making art in Turkmenistan2019APA
Barkcloth Making in Uganda20052008AFR
Petrykivka decorative painting as a phenomenon of the Ukrainian ornamental folk art2013ENA
Cossack’s songs of Dnipropetrovsk Region2016ENA
Tradition of Kosiv painted ceramics2019ENA
The Candombe and its socio-cultural space: a community practice2009LAC
The Cultural Space of the Boysun District20012008APA
Katta Ashula2009APA
Askiya, the art of wit2014APA
Palov culture and tradition2016APA
Khorazm dance, Lazgi2019APA

Shashmaqom Music20032008APA
Vanuatu Sand Drawings20032008APA
Dancing Devils of Corpus Christi2012LAC
La Parranda de San Pedro de Guarenas y Guatire2013LAC
Traditional knowledge and technologies relating to the growing and processing of the curagua2015LAC
Carnival of El Callao, a festive representation of a memory and cultural identity2016LAC
Space of gong culture20052008APA
Nhã nhạc, Vietnamese court music20032008APA
Quan Họ Bắc Ninh folk songs2009APA
Gióng Festival of Phù Đổng and Sóc Temples2010APA
Worship of Hùng Kings in Phú Thọ2012APA
Art of Đờn ca tài tử music and song in southern Việt Nam2013APA
Ví and Giặm folk songs of Nghệ Tĩnh2014APA
Practices related to the Viet beliefs in the Mother Goddesses of Three Realms2016APA
The art of Bài chòi in Central Viet Nam2017APA
Practices of Then by Tày, Nùng and Thái ethnic groups in Viet Nam2019APA
Song of Sana'a20032008AST
The Makishi Masquerade20052008AFR
Mooba dance of the Lenje ethnic group2018AFR
The Mbende Jerusarema Dance20052008AFR

List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding

The List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding contains intangible cultural heritage elements "that concerned communities and States Parties consider require urgent measures to keep them alive".
Member stateElementYear inscribedRegionReference
Knowledge and skills of the water measurers of the foggaras or water bailiffs of Touat and Tidikelt2018AST
Chovqan, a traditional Karabakh horse-riding game in the Republic of Azerbaijan2013ENA
Yalli, traditional group dances of Nakhchivan2018ENA
Rite of the Kalyady Tsars 2009ENA
Earthenware pottery-making skills in Botswana's Kgatleng District2012AFR
Dikopelo folk music of Bakgatla ba Kgafela in Kgatleng District2017AFR
Yaokwa, the Enawene Nawe people's ritual for the maintenance of social and cosmic order2011LAC
Lkhon Khol2018APA
Traditional design and practices for building Chinese wooden arch bridges2009APA
Traditional Li textile techniques: spinning, dyeing, weaving and embroidering2009APA
Qiang New Year festival2009APA
Meshrep2010APA
Watertight-bulkhead technology of Chinese junks2010APA
Wooden movable-type printing of China2010APA
Hezhen Yimakan storytelling2011APA
Traditional Vallenato music of the Greater Magdalena region2015LAC

Colombian-Venezuelan llano work songs2017LAC
Ojkanje singing2010ENA
Traditional Hand Puppetry—Al-Aragoz2018AST
Cantu in paghjella, a secular and liturgical oral tradition of Corsica2009ENA
Nan Pa'ch ceremony2013LAC
Saman dance2011APA
Noken multifunctional knotted or woven bag, handcraft of the people of Papua2012APA
Naqqāli, Iranian dramatic story-telling2011APA
Traditional skills of building and sailing Iranian Lenj boats in the Persian Gulf2011APA
Traditions and practices associated with the Kayas in the sacred forests of the Mijikenda2009AFR
Isukuti dance of Isukha and Idakho communities of Western Kenya2014AFR
Enkipaata, Eunoto and Olng'esherr, three male rites of passage of the Maasai community2018AFR
Ala-kiyiz and Shyrdak, art of Kyrgyz traditional felt carpets2012APA
Suiti cultural space2009ENA
Glasoechko, male two-part singing in Dolni Polog2015ENA
Sanké mon, collective fishing rite of the Sanké2009AFR
Secret society of the Kôrêdugaw, the rite of wisdom in Mali2011AFR
Moorish epic T'heydinn2011AST
Mongol Biyelgee, Mongolian traditional folk dance2009APA
Tsuur end-blown flute2009APA
Mongol Tuuli, Mongolian epic2009APA
Folk long song performance technique of Limbe performances - circular breathing2011APA
Mongolian calligraphy2013APA
Coaxing ritual for camels2015APA
Mongolian traditional practices of worshipping the sacred sites2017APA
Taskiwin, martial dance of the western High Atlas2017AFR
Suri Jagek 2018APA
Eshuva, Harákmbut sung prayers of Peru's Huachipaire people2011LAC
Manufacture of cowbells2015ENA
Bisalhães black pottery manufacturing process2016ENA
Shadow play2018AST
Whistled language, Turkish bird language2017ENA
Bigwala, gourd trumpet music and dance of the Busoga Kingdom in Uganda2012AFR
Empaako tradition of the Batooro, Banyoro, Batuku, Batagwenda and Banyabindi of western Uganda2013AFR
Male-child cleansing ceremony of the Lango of central northern Uganda2014AFR
Koogere oral tradition of the Basongora, Banyabindi and Batooro peoples2015AFR
Ma'di bowl lyre music and dance2016AFR
Al Sadu traditional weaving skills in the United Arab Emirates2011AST
Al Azi, art of performing praise, pride and fortitude poetry2017AST
Mapoyo oral tradition and its symbolic reference points within their ancestral territory2014LAC
Ca trù singing2009APA
Xoan singing of Phú Thọ Province, Vietnam2011APA

Register of Good Safeguarding Practices

The Register for Good Safeguarding Practices allows States Parties, communities and other stakeholders to "share successful safeguarding experiences and examples of how they surmounted challenges faced in the transmission of their living heritage, its practice and knowledge to the future generation."
Member stateProjects and ActivitiesYear InscribedRegionReference
Regional Centres for Craftsmanship: a strategy for safeguarding the cultural heritage of traditional handicraft2016ENA
Programme of cultivating ludodiversity: safeguarding traditional games in Flanders2011ENA
Safeguarding the carillon culture: preservation, transmission, exchange and awareness-raising2014ENA


Safeguarding intangible cultural heritage of Aymara communities in Bolivia, Chile and Peru2009LAC
Call for projects of the National Programme of Intangible Heritage2011LAC
Fandango's Living Museum2011LAC
Festival of folklore in Koprivshtitsa: a system of practices for heritage presentation and transmission2016ENA
Strategy for training coming generations of Fujian puppetry practitioners2012APA
Community project of safeguarding the living culture of Rovinj/Rovigno: the Batana Ecomuseum2016ENA
Táncház method: a Hungarian model for the transmission of intangible cultural heritage2011ENA
Safeguarding of the folk music heritage by the Kodály concept2016ENA
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 Pekalongan2009APA
Xtaxkgakget Makgkaxtlawana: the Centre for Indigenous Arts and its contribution to safeguarding the intangible cultural heritage of the Totonac people of Veracruz, Mexico2012LAC
Oselvar boat - reframing a traditional learning process of building and use to a modern context2016ENA
Centre for traditional culture – school museum of Pusol pedagogic project2009ENA
Revitalization of the traditional craftsmanship of lime-making in Morón de la Frontera, Seville, Andalusia2011ENA
Methodology for inventorying intangible cultural heritage in biosphere reserves: the experience of Montseny2013ENA
Land-of-Legends programme, for promoting and revitalizing the art of storytelling in Kronoberg Region 2018ENA

Statistics

Ratification

States that ratified the Convention, by region:
ProclamationUNESCO Member StatesStates Parties to the Convention% States Parties – UNESCO Member States by region
Western Europe and North America271970%
Eastern Europe252496%
Latin America and Caribbean332988%
Asia and Pacific443175%
Africa473979%
Arab States191684%
Total19515880%

Elements inscribed in 2008–2013

Total of inscriptions to date: 337, of which 18 are multinational
RegionElements / programmesSubmitting States
Africa2720
Arab States1913
Asia and the Pacific13217
Europe and North America1917
Latin America and the Caribbean4818
Eastern Europe5520
Total33798

Proclaimed masterpieces

The Lists of Intangible Cultural Heritage were established in 2008, when the Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage took effect. Prior to this, a project known as the Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity has already been active in recognizing the value of intangibles such as tradition, custom, and cultural spaces and the local actors who sustain these forms of cultural expressions through a Proclamation. Identification of the Masterpieces also entails the commitment of states to promote and safeguard these treasures, while UNESCO finances plans for their conservation. Started in 2001 and held biennially until 2005, a total of three Proclamations occurred, encompassing 90 forms of intangible heritage around the world.
The 90 previously proclaimed Masterpieces have been incorporated into the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity as its first entries, to be known as elements. Subsequent elements will be added following the assessment of nominations submitted by national governments acceding to the UNESCO Convention, termed as member states, who are each allowed to submit a single candidature file, in addition to multi-national candidatures. A panel of experts in intangible heritage and an appointed body, known as the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage, then examine each of the nominations before officially inscribing the candidates as elements on the List.