IC Announces Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage

Fifteen elements are now included in the inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage (Photo courtesy of Cultural Affairs Bureau)

The Macao SAR Government Cultural Affairs Bureau (IC) announced its inventory of 15 Intangible Cultural Heritage elements on 22nd September; namely, Yueju Opera (Cantonese Opera), Herbal Tea Brewing, Woodwork - Religious Figure Carving, Cantonese Naamyam (Narrative Songs), Taoist Ritual Music, Festival of the Drunken Dragon, Belief and Customs of A-Ma, Belief and Customs of Na Tcha, Patuá Theatre, Macanese Gastronomy, Beliefs and Customs of Tou Tei, Beliefs and Customs of Chu Tai Sin, the Craft of Bamboo Scaffolding, the Procession of the Passion of Our Lord the God Jesus, and the Procession of Our Lady of Fatima.

Of the five proposals for inclusion this year, Belief and Customs of Tou Tei, Belief and Customs of Chu Tai Sin and the Craft of Bamboo Scaffolding were proposed by local communities, while the Procession of the Passion of Our Lord the God Jesus and the Procession of Our Lady of Fatima were proposed by IC. The processions - part of IC's surveys and studies of Intangible Cultural Heritage - possess relatively complete research materials and arguments, as well as suitable conditions in various aspects.

IC analysed and concluded that the expressions, conservation status and cultural value of the aforementioned elements met the requirements for inventory according to Article 74 of the Cultural Heritage Protection Law. After consulting the Cultural Heritage Committee, IC included these elements in the respective inventory within the competence bestowed under Article 77 of the same law.

IC will continue to perform surveys and studies of Macao's Intangible Cultural Heritage and update the inventory, in addition to inscribing on the 'List of Intangible Cultural Heritage' qualified elements from the inventory, in accordance with the provisions and procedures established by the Cultural Heritage Protection Law, in order to safeguard and transmit Macao's valuable Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Should other public departments, communities, groups or individuals wish to propose elements for inclusion, they may submit their proposals to IC, pursuant to the aforementioned law.

For more information, please visit IC cultural heritage website:
www.culturalheritage.mo/en.