This article lists the practices listed in UNESCO intangible cultural heritage in Belgium.
Understand
Belgium is a State Party to the Convention on Intangible Cultural Heritage, which it signed on March 24, 2006.
The country has twelve practices included in the "representative list of intangible cultural heritage From UNESCO. The Aalst carnival registered in 2010 was removed from the list in 2019.
Two additional practices are included in the "register of best practices for safeguarding culture ».
No practice is repeated on the "emergency backup list ».
Lists
Representative list
| Convenient | Year | Domain | Description | Drawing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2008 | social practices, rituals and festive events | The city of Binche is located south of Brussels, in the province of Hainaut. Every year, during the three days preceding Lent, it hosts a carnival which mobilizes the historic center of the city and attracts crowds of foreign visitors. Dating back to the Middle Ages, the famous Binche carnival is one of the oldest events of this type still alive in Europe. Since the beginning of January, an atmosphere of joyful effervescence has reigned in the city, where thousands of Binchois have been busy making sumptuous costumes and joining in to drum rehearsals or costume balls. On Shrove Sunday, which officially marks the start of carnival, hordes of masked revelers invade the city's streets and cafes. The Mothers, men dressed in extravagant feminine accoutrements, are the main attraction of the day. Carnival reaches its peak on Shrove Tuesday with the appearance of the legendaries Gilles. After the complex dressing ceremony, several hundred Gilles wearing their red, yellow and black costumes and hats with ostrich feathers, wooden clogs, bells and wax masks with small glasses, paraded in the city to the sound of the drum. Pierrots, harlequins and peasants follow the parades, mingling with costumed revelers and local brass and clarinet bands. Carried away by the traditional tunes played on the viol and on the drum, dancers perform various steps, including the eternal favorite: the no Gille. The high point of the day's festivities is the dance of Gilles on the Grand Place, under the fireworks. The Binche carnival is a real popular festival, renowned for its spontaneity and the substantial financial commitment of its participants. The inhabitants of the city take great pride in it and strive to preserve the craftsmanship and know-how associated with traditional carnival costumes, accessories, dances and music. | .JPG/150px-0_Binche_-_Les_Gilles_le_jour_du_mardi_gras_(1).JPG) |
| Processional giants and dragons 2 Ducasse d'Ath 3 Ducasse of Mons 4 Meyboom from Brussels 5 Ommegang of Dendermonde 6 Ommegang of Mechelen | 2008 | social practices, rituals and festive events | The traditional processions of huge effigies of giants, animals or dragons cover an original set of festive events and ritual representations. Appeared at the end of XIVe century in the religious processions of many European cities, these effigies have retained a sense of identity for certain cities in Belgium (Ath, Brussels, Termonde ((nl) Dendermonde), Mechelen ((nl) Mechelen) and Mons) and France (Cassel, Douai, Pézenas and Tarascon) where they remain living traditions. These giants and dragons are tall mannequins that can stand up to nine meters tall and weigh up to 350 kg. They represent mythical heroes or animals, trades or contemporary local figures, historical, biblical or legendary characters. Saint George's fight against the dragon is staged in Mons, the Bayard horse from Charlemagne's cycle parades in Dendermonde, while Reuze Papa and Reuze Mom, popular and family characters, parade in Cassel. The processions, which often associate secular processions with religious ceremonies, differ from one city to another but each obey a precise ritual where the giant relates to the history, to the legendary origin or to the life of the city. Giants and dragons thus animate popular festivals at least once a year in which they are the main actors, each effigy having its feast on a fixed date. They stage stories and dance in the streets, accompanied by brass bands and groups of costumed people. The crowd follows the procession and many are involved in the preparations at different stages of the feast. The creation of a giant, as well as its permanent maintenance, requires hours of work and the mastery of several techniques due to the variety of materials used. While these events are not threatened with immediate disappearance, they are nevertheless subject to a certain number of pressures such as the transformation of urban centers and the influx of tourists, to the detriment of the popular and spontaneous dimension of the festival. |  |
| 7 Procession of the Holy Blood in Bruges | 2009 | social practices, rituals and festive events | Every spring, between 30,000 and 45,000 spectators gather in the heart of the city of Bruges to witness the "Procession of the Holy Blood" on Ascension Day, forty days after Easter. This colorful parade is a rite that dates back to XIIIe century; a citizen of Bruges had declared, at that time, to have brought back from the second crusade the relic of the sacred Blood of Jesus Christ. Led by the thirty notables of the city, members of the “Noble Brotherhood of the Holy Blood” and accompanied by brass bands, more than 1,700 citizens on foot, on horseback or in chariots bring scenes from the Old Testament, the life of Jesus and the history of Bruges to life. The various groups of citizens will then venerate the relic, then the procession ends with a prayer service, pronounced in several languages, to allow spectators from all over the world to follow the ceremony. For centuries, this ceremony has played an important role in expressing the identity of the inhabitants of Bruges and was the occasion for encounters with populations from outside the city. Participants, of all ages, families and communities, form a representative sample of the population. Some locals have been participating in the event for 40 or 50 years, and those who have left the city often return to experience "Bruges' best day". The Procession is a living example of how a collective ceremony can cement the unity of a city through the ritual interpretation of its history and beliefs. |  |
| 8 Houtem Jaarmarkt | 2010 | social practices, rituals and festive events | the Houtem Jaarmarkt is an annual trade fair that takes place in the village of Hautem-Saint-Liévin ((nl) Sint-Lievens-Houtem), in the south-eastern part of the province of East Flanders. Every year, on November 11 and 12, the village becomes the site of the last large open-air market in the country where the trade in cattle and thoroughbred horses takes place. Hundreds of traders proudly display their animals in front of judges, fellow traders, farmers and thousands of enthusiastic visitors. People come from all over the country to meet the 500 exhibitors and other traders: to experience, see, touch and buy agricultural machinery or animals and to witness transactions that still involve ancestral negotiation techniques, such as clapping of hands. . With over 600 horses and 1,200 cows for sale, the fair represents a crucial date on the calendar and for the identity of professionals in the livestock trade. Each year a different foreign region is invited to present its attractions, regional products and crafts at the fair, which allows cattle ranchers, farmers and artisans from different nations to meet and exchange impressions. The fair and the market have a huge impact on the local community, with private homes being converted into public places where people come to enjoy music, drink and eat. During these two days, the whole village turns into an open and welcoming place. |  |
| 9 Krakelingen and Tonnekensbrand | 2010 | social practices, rituals and festive events | The city of Grammont ((nl) Geraardsbergen) holds its annual fair on the first Monday in March and celebrates the end of winter on Sunday eight days earlier, with the festival of Krakelingen and Tonnekensbrand. In the preceding days, traders decorated their windows, bakers made special ring-shaped buns called krakelingen, and school teachers tell the legend explaining the origins of the ritual. On the day of the feast, a procession of a thousand people leaves from the church of Hunnegem, headed by the dean of the church and the town councilors in period costume. Bringing the bread, wine, fish and fire, the participants walk up the Oudenberg hill to the Sainte-Marie chapel. Inside, the dean blesses the krakelingen and say a prayer. Then the religious and secular authorities drink a sip of wine from a silver goblet in the XVIe century containing a small live fish, a custom that has recently become controversial. Then they launch 10 000 krakelingen in the crowd, one of which contains a winning ticket. The trophy is a gold piece of jewelry specially created for the occasion. As night falls, people gather again at the top of the hill where they light a wooden barrel, the Tonnekensbrand, to celebrate the arrival of spring. Spectators descend the hill, a burning torch in hand, to bring light to the heart of the city. The festive ritual gives its participants a strong sense of continuity and an awareness of the past, evoking historical events and legends that are passed down from generation to generation. |  |
| 10 Louvain age class ritual directory | 2011 | social practices, rituals and festive events | The Leuven Age Class Ritual Repertoire is a rite of passage in human life centered on the ten years leading up to his fiftieth birthday. For men who live in Leuven or the surrounding area, a journey of socio-cultural and philanthropic activities begins at age forty with the formation of an age group and peaks at age fifty on St. Abraham's Day. , with a celebration in the central square of the city, around the statue of the prophet Abraham. Each age group, which chooses its medal, flag and uniform, is looked after by a "sponsor" belonging to an age group formed ten years earlier. Members party and embrace life for ten years and beyond. An age group only disappears when its last member dies. Age groups are characterized by intergenerational values of openness, friendship, solidarity and dedication to their age group and to the city. Differences of origin, rank or social status do not matter, nor do political, philosophical or religious beliefs. The only conditions to participate are to be a man and to have been born in the same year. Women are participating more and more as godmothers and supporters. The ritual stimulates identity and a sense of continuity both for the city and for the members; it has become an important part of the urban culture of Louvain. There are currently fifty-four age groups. |  |
| Entre-Sambre-et-Meuse steps Acoz Biesmerée Florennes Fosses-la-Ville Gerpinnes Ham-sur-Heure 11 Jumet Laneffe Morialme Silent Tarcienne Thuin Thy-le-Chateau Villers-Deux-Eglises Walcourt | 2012 | * social practices, rituals and festive events * know-how related to traditional craftsmanship | The fifteen steps of Entre-Sambre-et-Meuse are one of the major elements of the cultural identity of the eponymous region located between the rivers of Sambre and Meuse in Wallonia. They commemorate the dedication of the churches of many villages and small towns which honor the Saint to whom the religious buildings are dedicated. The whole villages and towns participate in it. The escorted processions are made up of several companies organized on a military model, each grouping together dozens or even hundreds of marchers. Dressed in military uniforms, the participants assemble in one or more companies that escort the religious procession. A company is managed by a committee and / or an ex officio body which organizes the progress of the march and ensures good order. Young people walk alongside their parents in the Young Guard or in other companies. The traditions are passed on orally, often in the family circle, but also in the meetings, meetings, balls or banquets necessary for the organization of the march. Dynasties of fifes and drums have emerged, which transmit their knowledge, their tunes and their music to new musicians. Similarly, manufacturers of drums and fifes, dozens of artisan tailors pass on their know-how in order to reconstitute and create instruments, costumes, flags and accessories. The markets play a key role as a factor of integration, of bringing together men and women from different backgrounds and of promoting social cohesion. |  |
| 12 Horse shrimp fishing in Oostduinkerke | 2013 | * knowledge and practices concerning nature and the universe * know-how related to traditional craftsmanship | Twelve families from Oostduinkerke participate in shrimp fishing, each with their own specialty, such as weaving nets or learning about Brabant draft horses. Twice a week in Oostduinkerke, except in winter, the Brabant horses sink into the water up to the chest and advance parallel to the coast, pulling funnel-shaped nets held open by two wooden planks. A chain scrapes the sand to create vibrations that make the shrimp bounce and enter the net. The fishermen pour their catch in the baskets fixed on the sides of the horse. The prawns are later cooked and eaten. A good knowledge of the sea, a suitable strip of sand and a high degree of trust and respect for the horse are essential for fishermen. This tradition gives the community a strong sense of collective identity and plays a central role in social and cultural events, notably the 'Shrimp Festival', which lasts two days and which the local community prepares for months, building floats, organizing street performances and making costumes. A competition involves hundreds of children, who are introduced to shrimp fishing, and the shrimp procession attracts over 10,000 visitors. Shrimp fishermen operate on the principles of sharing cultural values and interdependence: the more experienced teach the techniques to beginners and share with them their knowledge of nets, tides and currents. |  |
| Beer culture in Belgium | 2016 | * social practices, rituals and festive events * knowledge and practices concerning nature and the universe * know-how related to traditional craftsmanship | The making and enjoyment of beer is part of the living heritage of many communities spread across Belgium. This culture plays a role in their daily life and during festive events. Almost 1,500 types of beer are produced in the country using different fermentation methods. Since the 1980s, craft beer has become particularly popular. Several regions are known for their specific varieties and some Trappist communities, which donate their profits to charities, also make beer. In addition, beer is used in cooking, and in particular for the manufacture of products such as cheeses washed with beer and, as in the case of wine, can be combined with certain foods to give new flavors. Several brewing organizations are working with communities on a large scale to promote responsible beer consumption. In addition, beer cultivation is now seen as a sustainable practice, with recyclable packaging being encouraged and new technologies making it possible to reduce water consumption during manufacturing. In addition to being transmitted at home and within social circles, knowledge and skills are transmitted by master brewers who lead courses in breweries, specialized courses for students who are trained in this profession. and in the hospitality industry in general, public training programs for entrepreneurs and small trial breweries for amateur brewers. |  |
| Falconry, a living human heritage Note Belgium shares this practice withGermany, the'Saudi Arabia, the'Austria, the United Arab Emirates, the'Spain, the France, the Hungary, the'Italy, the Kazakhstan, the Morocco, the Mongolia, the Pakistan, the Portugal, the Qatar, the Syria, the South Korea and the Czechia. | 2016 | social practices, rituals and festive events | Falconry is the traditional activity of conserving and training falcons and other raptors to catch game in their natural environment. Originally used as a means of obtaining food, falconry is identified today with the spirit of camaraderie and sharing more than with subsistence. It is mainly found along migration routes and corridors and is practiced by amateurs and professionals of all ages, men and women. Falconers develop a strong relationship and spiritual bond with their birds; strong involvement is needed to breed, train, train and fly falcons. Falconry is passed down as a cultural tradition through means as varied as mentoring, learning within the family, or more formal training in clubs. In hot countries, falconers take their children to the desert and teach them how to control the bird and build a trusting relationship with it. While falconers come from very diverse origins, they share common values, traditions and practices, including bird training methods and how to care for them, the equipment used and the emotional bond between the falconer and the bird. Falconry is the bedrock of a wider cultural heritage, which includes traditional costumes, food, songs, music, poetry and dances, all customs nurtured by the communities and clubs that practice it. |  |
| 13 The Ommegang of Brussels, historical procession and annual popular festival | 2019 | The Ommegang de Bruxelles, an annual historic procession and popular festival, takes place every July in the historic center of Brussels over two evenings. The celebration begins with a crossbow shooting competition and a ceremony in the Sablon church. In the surrounding streets, several groups form a large procession. The procession follows a route of 1.5 kilometers across the city towards the Grand-Place, where the groups join the Magistrate of Brussels and the holders of different forms of living heritage. Together, they parade there and some groups give representations in an organic synthesis that has evolved since 1930. Religious procession originally in 1348, the tradition has declined in the XVIIIe century and the modern Ommegang was reinvented in 1928-1930, based on descriptions of the procession attended by Charles V in 1549. Today, the tradition has evolved into a celebration of local heritage. Among the participants there are different groups of volunteers who come together and prepare their roles together, encouraging the younger members to join them. These groups have evolved into friendly associations which, during Ommegang - every year at the beginning of July, meet and fraternize with other groups. Children attend this event alongside their parents, and many people have been attending for 40 or 50 years. The viability of the element is constantly monitored, and the association that manages the Ommegang is continuously involved in the preparation of the next event and its promotion. |  | |
| The musical art of horn sounders, an instrumental technique linked to singing, mastery of the breath, vibrato, the resonance of places and conviviality Note Belgium shares this practice with the France, the'Italy and the Luxembourg. | 2020 | social practices, rituals and festive events | The musical art of horn sounders, an instrumental technique linked to singing, mastery of the breath, vibrato, resonance of places and conviviality brings together the techniques and skills that a bell ringer mobilizes to play the horn. The accuracy and quality of the notes produced are influenced by the breath of the musician and the instrumental technique is based on the bodily mastery of the bell ringer. The instrument's timbre is clear and piercing, especially in the highs, and the instrument's sonic range is based on natural resonance with rich overtones. Of twelve notes, its tessitura authorizes a composition with a singing melody, accompanied by a second voice and harmonized with a bass score. An integral part of the art of the trumpet, singing allows the musician to develop cohesion and conviviality. The trumpet ringing is a performative art, open to musical creativity and practiced during festive moments. Brought together by their common fascination for this instrumental music, the ringers come from all socio-cultural backgrounds. This very great social mix is one of the markers of the current practice of the horn. Education in the practice is traditionally oral and imitative. However, the bell-ringers rarely learn on their own: musical practice is often acquired through "trumpet schools". Trumpet music maintains a vast, lively and dynamic musical repertoire that has never ceased to enrich itself since the seventeenth century. The feeling of belonging and continuity derives from the interpretation of a common repertoire, partly inherited from history and which promotes intercultural and international dialogue. |  |
Register of Best Safeguarding Practices
| Convenient | Year | Domain | Description | Drawing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saving traditional games in Flanders | 2011 | social practices, rituals and festive events | Ludodiversity refers to the great diversity of games, sports, physical exercises, dances and acrobatics. The non-governmental organization Sportimonium, in collaboration with local communities and associations, has implemented measures aimed at safeguarding the heritage of games and sports in Flanders, including twenty-three types of traditional games, among which forms of shooting, bowling, throwing and ball games. The safeguard measures developed by Sportimonium include support for specialized or umbrella organizations, publications, festivals, events, exchanges of expertise, promotional actions, loan services for traditional game equipment, as well as a traditional playground. Systematic documentation and research form the basis of the program: information on traditional games and sports has been collected around the world and can be consulted in a documentation center at Sportimonium. Promoting the awareness of actors on the cultural significance of their intangible heritage is another essential aspect of the safeguarding strategy. Particular attention is paid to the mobilization of new members, especially among young people and women. The Sportimonium model can be applied in other contexts. This program has the advantage of being modular and made up of different phases that can be implemented according to local, regional, national and international conditions. |  |
| Safeguarding the culture of the carillon | 2014 | * performing art * social practices, rituals and festive events | The art of making music with bells (carillon) is traditionally practiced by carillonneurs on market days and holidays. The program to safeguard the culture of the carillon covers 76 towns and villages in Belgium. The main objectives are to preserve the components of the historical culture of the carillon (practices, repertoire, instruments, music, oral and written history) and to ensure the continuity and sustainable development of the carillon as a living heritage strengthening cultural identity and cohesion. social. Safeguarding efforts also focused on the preservation and restoration of historic chimes, resulting in the silent chimes being ringing again. Transmission is ensured by a number of educational initiatives, of which the Mechelen School is the most important. Efforts have also been made to revitalize the practice of the carillon, encouraging new arrangements, compositions and musical genres. The program combines respect for tradition with a desire for innovation, constantly seeking new ways to safeguard the culture of the carillon in contemporary society. It also promotes best practices and respect for local carillonneurs, by focusing on cooperation between actors. |  |
Emergency backup list
Belgium does not have any practice requiring emergency safeguarding.
