Blasmusik in Austria: UNESCO explains tradition as a cultural heritage!

Blasmusik in Austria: UNESCO explains tradition as a cultural heritage!

As part of a festive ceremony on December 6, 2024, new elements were included in the national list of intangible cultural heritage in Zell an der Pram (Upper Austria) Castle. Among the honored traditions, the "sound and play tradition of Austrian brass music bands" can be found. The approximately 140,000 musicians who arise in colorful traditional costumes provide a total of over 28 million volunteers a year. Through rehearsals, appearances and social engagements, they are an indispensable pillar of Austrian culture and community.

The inclusion in the national list of intangible cultural heritage is more than just one title - it is a public recognition of the valuable contributions that make these music bands on society. These lively cultural providers combine generations and various social classes. Blasm music is celebrated as a lived together and promotes values ​​such as the awareness of democracy, tolerance and teamwork. The organizations and communities that support such music groups are asked to actively maintain and promote these types of culture.

UNESCO and the intangible cultural heritage

The "representative list of intangible cultural heritage of humanity" of UNESCO, which was launched in 2008, is intended to make cultural diversity visible worldwide, including traditions such as music, dance and oral traditions. In 2009 Austria ratified the Convention on the Preservation of Intangible Cultural Heritage and is therefore part of a global network that protects different cultural forms of expression. Currently the list includes 569 elements from 136 countries, all of which are connected to the UNESCO agenda for the protection of the cultural heritage, as wikipedia. .

The recognition as an intangible cultural heritage not only gives the music bands prestige, but also obliges to secure these traditions for future generations. This underlines the importance of cultural practices in harmony with the social development and cultural memory of a country. Last but not least, the communities can be proud to be part of this important cultural tradition!