The UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage on December 6 voted to put the multinational file “Cultural practices associated to the 1st of March” – a common file of Moldova, Romania, Romania and FYROM (Macedonia) – on the List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, IPN reports.

According to the Ministry of Education, Culture and Research, in his speech secretary of state Andrei Chistol underlined the value of symbol of Martsishor (amulet worn at chest to mark the coming of spring) that is common to Moldova, Romania, Bulgaria and FYROM. During centuries, this symbol managed to transmit a powerful message of hope and renaissance.

Andrei Chistol expressed his confidence that, alongside the men’s group caroling and wall-carpet weaving technique that were put on the UNESCO List in 2013 and 2016 respectively, the holiday of Martsishor will represent an element that will contribute to the promotion and safeguarding of the national cultural heritage, both locally and internationally.

Thus, based on the file submitted by Moldova, Romania, Bulgaria and Macedonia, international experts of the Intergovernmental Committee appreciated the incontestable universal value of the “Cultural practices associated to the 1st of March” and the role played by these in enriching cultural diversity and promoting local communities.

The 12thh session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage is taking place in South Korea during December 4-9.