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Nine traditions added to 'cultural heritage'

Staff reporter
Staff reporter - [email protected]
Nine traditions added to 'cultural heritage'
Austrian scythe makers. Photo: APA

The Austrian UNESCO commission has added nine traditions to its list of Intangible Cultural Heritage. These include a group of ballad singers from Traunkirchen, epiphany carollers from Metnitz, and a folk dance from Salzburg.

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In contrast to world cultural heritage sites such as Vienna’s Schönbrunn palace, intangible cultural heritage focusses on living traditions such as dance, music, theatre and craftsmanship.

Austria now has 77 traditions listed. Among the newest additions are Austrian scythe makers, represented by two producers in Carinthia and Upper Austria.

The Mordsgschicht singers from Upper Austria also made the list, they are well-known for singing ballads on Carnival Sunday. Gmunden's Liebstattsonntag is also included, a day in which locals wear their traditional Trachten outfits and give out decorated gingerbread hearts. And three master craftsmen who still make the Jew’s harp in Molln are also listed.

Tyrol’s largest spring festival - the Gauderfest in Zell am Ziller - was included, as well as the the Nikolausspiel that takes places only once every seven years in Reith im Alpbachtal.

Carinthia’s traditional Parade of the Three Kings and carol singing in Metnitz made the list, as well as Salzburg’s Schleuniger folk dance - which is usually played and danced at weddings.

There will be a ceremony in which documents are handed over to the respective bearers of the traditions on June 23rd.


 

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