Culture Directorate launches website for nominations of Maltese cultural elements onto UNESCO’s intangible heritage list
From our beloved crunchy Maltese bread (or hobza) to the picturesque rubble walls that line our country roads (known as hitan tas-sejjieh), the Maltese Culture Directorate has set up a website to encourage the local community to nominate aspects of local heritage for acceptance onto UNESCO's growing list of 'intangible heritage'.
This would be the first time Malta presents elements for submission onto the prestigious list, which attempts to raise awareness of cultural traditions which need safeguarding, including language, the performing arts, social practices, rituals and festive events as well as traditional craftsmanship.
A few mentioned examples of intangible cultural heritage which need safeguarding include: the traditional building of rubble walls; the building of stone stairs; several crafts which are becoming extinct due to technology (such as tinsmiths and gold church embroidery); the making of salt by using salt pans; falconry; the voluntary teaching of music in band clubs, as well as a number of Maltese culinary traditions.
The UNESCO list, created in 2003, also includes a more general inventory of significant cultural elements, aiming to mainly raise awareness, though may also offer support to countries struggling to protect their traditions.
The public is invited to nominate aspects of cultural heritage by uploading the application form on the website and any other supporting documentation. Fancy making a nomination? Stake your claim here!