Jultagi, tightrope walking (Republic of Korea): Traditional Korean Jultagi is a distinctive form of tightrope walking that is accompanied by music and witty dialogue between the tightrope walker and an earthbound clown. The tightrope walker executes a variety of acrobatic feats along with jokes, mimicry, songs and dance, while a clown engages the tightrope walker in humorous banter and musicians play to accompany the entertainment. The Jultagi Safeguarding Association in Gyeonggi Province oversees the transmission of skills through apprenticeships with masters, public classes and summer camps.

Taekkyeon, a traditional Korean martial art (Republic of Korea): Taekkyeon is a traditional Korean martial art that makes use of fluid, rhythmic dance-like movements to strike an opponent, while teaching consideration and moderation. The graceful movements are gentle and circular but can explode with enormous flexibility and strength, employing a variety of offensive and defensive skills. As a part of seasonal farming-related traditions, Taekkyeon serves to facilitate community integration and promotes public health. A great number of people practice it as a daily activity and the Korean Taekkyeon Association promotes its transmission.

Weaving of Mosi (fine ramie) in the Hansan region (Republic of Korea): Weaving of Mosi is a process involving harvesting, boiling and bleaching ramie plants, spinning yarn from the fibre, and weaving it on traditional looms. Weaving is transmitted in women-led family operations where mothers transmit techniques and skills to their daughters or daughters-in-law. The region of Hansan, Republic of Korea, boasts fertile land and sea winds that allow ramie plants to thrive. Mosi cloth is used to produce a variety of clothing from dress suits and military uniforms to mourning garments.

Festivity of ‘la Mare de Déu de la Salut’ of Algemesí (Spain): The Festivity of ‘la Mare de Déu de la Salut’ is a series of activities and performances celebrated every 7 and 8 September in Algemesí, Spain. These commence with ringing the bell of Basílica Menor de San Jaime followed by a parade. During the two days, almost 1,400 people participate in theatre, music, dance and performances organized in the historical areas of the city. All costumes, ornaments and accessories are handcrafted, and the dances and musical scores are passed by the townspeople from generation to generation.

Ceremonial Keşkek tradition (Turkey): Keşkek is a traditional Turkish ceremonial wheat and meat dish prepared for wedding ceremonies, circumcisions and religious holidays. Women and men work together to prepare the dish in huge cauldrons, then serve it to the guests. Many community members participate in the various chores from selecting the wheat to saying blessings and prayers to carrying the wheat and to cooking it. The celebrations also include entertainment such as plays and musical performances. The cooking tradition is safeguarded and transmitted by master cooks to apprentices.

The Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage was adopted by UNESCO’s General Conference in 2003 and now includes 139 States Parties. Only those countries that have ratified the Convention are eligible to present items for inscription on the Intangible Cultural Heritage Lists.

The Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Heritage comprises 24 UNESCO Member States, elected for a term of four years. Half the Committee is renewed every two years.

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See the Intangible Heritage photo gallery

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TV broadcasters can download footage here.

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