Basel carnival, Swiss graphic design, Hornussen and the Vevey grape harvest festival are some of the practices that feature on the current "Inventory of Living Traditions in Switzerland".
All traditions that appear in the Inventory share the following three features:
- they are still practiced in Switzerland.
- they are an integral part of our cultural diversity and identity.
- they change and evolve.
It is precisely these three aspects that enable living traditions (or intangible cultural heritage, as they are also known) to connect one generation to next generations and to foster exchange. Take, for example, the Zibelimärit, the traditional onion market in Bern. Every year, young and old, city and country dwellers, locals and visitors come together to enjoy this festive event.
Background
Living traditions are our intangible cultural heritage. To stress the importance it gives to these traditions, Switzerland acceded to the UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage (16 October 2008). In doing so, Switzerland pledged to compile and periodically update an inventory of the living traditions found on its territory.
Aims
The "Inventory of Living Traditions in Switzerland" seeks to be representative of the intangible cultural heritage found across the country. It helps to:
- make the public more aware of the importance of practising and passing on living traditions;
- generate greater recognition for the bearers and practitioners of living traditions;
- lay the groundwork for further initiatives and partnerships that seek to uphold the practice of living traditions.
