Living heritage is affected in different ways by the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Many festivals and cultural events have been cancelled or postponed, and cultural practices and rituals are being restricted, causing disruptions in the lives of many people.
At the same time, we are seeing how communities are continuing and drawing on their living heritage to cope with the crisis. Living heritage, in this respect, is a source of resilience, solidarity and inspiration for many communities during these difficult times.
In response, UNESCO launched an online survey to document and exchange the different experiences of living heritage and how its safeguarding is affected in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Complete the survey! Join other communities and share your living heritage experiences.
Discover the rich knowledge, practices and experiences shared by communities on this UNESCO web platform. The survey results and stories are shared to enhance our learning about safeguarding living heritage and inspire communities to exchange experiences.
'ICH practices adapt, rethink and transform'
“Times of crisis and disruption sometimes give birth to fresh bursts of creativity. Once again, ICH proves its worth: the power to adapt, mutate and rethink itself…”
Mascarillas con arte sarhuino
“Our purpose is to use art as a way to identify ourselves with our original culture in these difficult times and to promote Sarhuino art in our country and abroad…”
Experiences from Sri Lanka: Effects and response
“One practitioner of traditional string puppet drama has produced four short video clips to educate the public on responsible behaviour to prevent the spread of the virus...”
La communauté berbère (amazighe) du Moyen Atlas marocain
"The Berber (Amazigh) community of the Moroccan Middle Atlas strengthened its resilience in the face of the pandemic by sharing poetry verses and poems related to COVID-19”.
Earthenware pottery and Dikopelo folk music in Botswana
“For Dikopelo practitioners, no activities will take place during the state of public emergency because their practice requires more than two people….”