Reggae and perfume: new cultural heritage is worth more than one trip
Exploring the centuries-old perfume craft in Provence, dancing to the typical reggae in Jamaica — these and other living traditions are now part of UNESCO's intangible cultural heritage.
Reggae rhythms
The sound of reggae music can be heard all over Jamaica. Bob Marley is most famously associated with this special mixture of Caribbean, North and Latin American music. The singer used rhythmic, cheerful sounds to protest against social injustice with deeply human lyrics. He gave a voice not only to Jamaican society, but to people oppressed all over the world as well.
Perfume paradise
The southern French town of Grasse in Provence is considered the world metropolis of all fragrances. Since the 16th century, jasmine and night hyacinth blossoms have been grown here and transformed into fine fragrances. In the museums of Grasse's three great perfumers, visitors can discover the difference between the art of perfumery and synthetic production.
Festival of Las Parrandas
Who has the most colorful costumes, the most beautiful songs and dances and the best fireworks? That's determined every year through a competition at the festival of Las Parrandas in Cuba. First held in 1820, the Las Parrandas Festival is now celebrated by 18 municipalities of the Caribbean island. A highlight is the parade in Remedios on December 24.
Resist block printing and indigo dyeing in Europe
This type of textile printing was brought from Indonesia and India to Europe by Dutch merchants in the 17th century. What is known as "Blaudruck" in German was a popular form of printing until the industrial mass production of fabrics made it less attractive. Today there are only 27 workshops in Germany, Austria, Hungary, the Czech Republic and Slovakia that still maintain the traditional craft.
Dry stone walling
Dry stone wall construction is widespread in the Mediterranean. The cone-roof huts of Apulia, known as the trulli, were also built this way. Their stones are stacked on top of each other and do not require connecting materials. To this day, this unusual type of construction can be found in Croatia, Cyprus, France, Greece, Italy, Slovenia, Spain and Switzerland.
Lum medicinal bathing
The Lum medicinal bathing of Sowa Rigpa is a medicinal practice from Tibet. By bathing in natural hot springs, herbal water or steam, the body and the mind are brought into balance to prevent and treat diseases. Traditional knowledge has been passed down from generation to generation and is now part of the curriculum of modern medical schools.
Wrestling
Traditional wrestling, called Ssirum/Ssireum, is a national sport in North and South Korea. The competitors try to grab the opponent's belt to wring him to the ground. The two Korean states joined forces to apply for the title of UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage — a symbolic step on the way to reconciliation.