The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) intangible cultural heritage elements are the non-physical traditions and practices performed by a people. As part of a country's cultural heritage, they include celebrations, festivals, performances, oral traditions, music, and the making of handicrafts. The "intangible cultural heritage" is defined by the Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage, drafted in 2003 and took effect in 2006. Inscription of new heritage elements on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Lists for their protection and safeguard is determined by the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage, an organisation established by the convention.
Brazil ratified the convention on 1 March 2006.
Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity
Representative List Name Image Year No. Description Samba de Roda of the Recôncavo of Bahia 2008 00101 Samba de Roda ("Samba of the roda") is a traditional Afro-Brazilian dance that developed in Brazil’s Bahia’s Recôncavo region during the late 19th century. Oral and graphic expressions of the Wajapi 2008 00049 Wayampi or Wayãpi are an Indigenous people located at the confluence of the rivers Camopi and Oyapock, and the basins of the Amapari and Carapanatuba Rivers in the central part of the states of Amapá and Pará. Frevo, performing arts of the Carnival of Recife 2012 00603 Frevo is a dance and musical style originating from Recife (Pernambuco), traditionally associated with Brazilian Carnival. Círio De Nazaré (The Taper of Our Lady of Nazareth) in the city of Belém, Pará 2013 00602 The Círio de Nazaré is a Catholic religious celebration, originating from Portuguese colonizers, involving processions (pilgrimages) in devotion to Our Lady of Nazareth, held in the Brazilian city of Belém (Pará). Capoeira circle 2014 00892 In the capoeira circle, roles are interchangeable: observers can become participants, contestants become spectators, and musicians rotate. Cultural Complex of Bumba-meu-boi from Maranhão 2019 01510 Bumba Meu Boi is an interactive play celebrated in Brazil, specially in Maranhão. It originated in the 18th century. It is a form of social criticism. Traditional ways of making Artisan Minas Cheese in Minas Gerais 2024 02102 Minas cheese is a type of cheese that has been traditionally produced in the state of Minas Gerais.
Elements in Need of Urgent Safeguarding Name Year No. Description Yaokwa, the Enawene Nawe people's ritual for the maintenance of social and cosmic order 2011 00521 The Enawene Nawe people live in the basin of the Juruena River. They perform the Yaokwa ritual every year during the drought period to honour the Yakairiti spirits.
Good Safeguarding Practices Name Year No. Description Call for projects of the National Programme of Intangible Heritage 2011 00504 The encourages and supports safeguarding initiatives and practices for the safeguarding of intangible cultural heritage. Fandango's Living Museum 2011 00502 Fandango is a popular music and dance expression in coastal communities in southern and south-eastern Brazil.
See also List of World Heritage Sites in Brazil
References
External links UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage: Official site UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage in Brazil: Official site