Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
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December 10, 2025 Culture and education
From the textile traditions of Belarus and the culinary practices of Central Asia to the ritual dances of Kenya, UNESCO inscribed dozens of new forms of heritage on its lists this year. The decisions were made at the 20th session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, which opened on December 8 in New Delhi, India.
Unlike monuments and historical sites, intangible cultural heritage encompasses crafts, customs, musical and ritual traditions, and social practices that communities pass on from generation to generation. UNESCO emphasizes that the richness of human traditions is at risk of being lost due to social, economic, and environmental challenges.
Heritage in urgent need of protection
This year, traditions from all over the world were inscribed on the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding.
Among them is the Neglyubka textile tradition—the art of hand weaving and embroidery practiced in the village of Neglyubka in the Gomel region of Belarus. They create unique towels, household items, and clothing items. The tradition is primarily maintained by women, passing on skills within families, often from grandmothers and mothers to daughters. Neglyubka weaving is an important symbol of local identity and a factor in economic development, attracting tourists and researchers. However, the tradition is currently threatened by a dwindling number of artisans.
The list also includes the practice of making and playing the kobyz, a musical instrument common in the Republic of Karakalpakstan, an autonomous region within Uzbekistan. This ancient, two-stringed, bow-shaped instrument is handcrafted from local woods, with strings and a bow made of horsehair. The body is covered in leather and decorated with carvings. The kobyz is more than just a musical instrument; it is a key element of the nomadic cultural heritage. It is played by storytellers, or jyrau, who perform epic works using the throat singing technique. This tradition fosters community, transmits historical memory, and maintains cultural ties between generations.
Also on this year's list are ritual dances in Kenya, color printing on wooden boards in Vietnam, playing the clay musical instrument borindo in Pakistan, mud house building techniques in Panama, traditional ceramics in Paraguay, sea salt production in the Philippines, moliceiro boat making in Portugal, epic singing with lahut in Albania, and the "landship" tradition of Barbados.
Living heritage of global significance
UNESCO also expanded its Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
It incorporates Tajik traditions associated with sumanak, a traditional Navruz dish made from sprouted wheat with butter, flour, and walnuts. The preparation process takes up to a day and is accompanied by women singing and dancing, while men tend the fire and perform physical labor.
Also added to the list are Georgian practices related to the cultivation and harvesting of endemic wheat varieties, traditional bread baking, and agricultural rituals. Wheat symbolizes life, prosperity, and the continuity of generations. These traditions are an important part of Georgian life.
The Kyrgyz drink "maksym" and its unique preparation methods have also been added to the UNESCO list. This thick, fermented drink is made by frying flour in mutton fat and then fermenting it. Its preparation brings families together and symbolizes prosperity and hospitality.
The list also includes: the ceremonial men's cloak bisht (Middle East), the Venezuelan genre of joropo, the Bolivian festival of the Virgin of Guadalupe, the Argentine genre of cuarteto, Tangail sare weaving in Bangladesh, miniatures in the style of Behzad (Afghanistan), Belgian puppet theater, Christmas traditions of Belize, Bulgarian bagpipes, the wedding procession "zaffa" in the countries of Africa and the Middle East, and other traditions.
UNESCO emphasizes that rapid social change, migration, climate change, and a loss of interest in history among young people threaten the disappearance of traditions that have shaped the cultural identity of peoples for centuries. New designations help attract attention, resources, and support to ensure the survival of these unique practices.
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