Slovakia

Inscribed in 2013 (8.COM) on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity

The village of Terchová in north-west Slovakia is renowned for its collective vocal and instrumental music, performed by three-, four- or five-member string ensembles with a small two-string bass or diatonic button accordion. It is often accompanied by polyphonic singing and combined with folk dances. The musical tradition of Terchová also includes solo instrumental performances on shepherds’ fifes. Performances take place at a variety of cyclical and occasional events, both religious and secular, including anniversaries, festivals, exhibition openings, symposia and, most importantly, the Jánošík’s Days International Festival. The traditional musical culture, which is transmitted orally, is a matter of pride and a marker of identity among the inhabitants of the village of Terchová and the surrounding areas. It encompasses instrumental and vocal music, dance, and a knowledge of the musical tradition of Terchová and the skills related to making musical instruments. There are over twenty professional musical ensembles in Terchová, while amateur ensembles perform at family, traditional and other events.