The Generalitat Valenciana, through the Department of Education, Culture y UniversitiesWith the presence of the Regional Secretary for Culture, Marta Alonso, and the Director General of Cultural Heritage, Blanca Camarena, it has reported on its participation in the candidacy "The Nativity Scene, from its origins to cultural tradition and the art of its creation" before UNESCO for its declaration as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
This initiative, presented last March, is being promoted jointly with Italy, the central government, and fourteen autonomous communities. The information has been discussed in the 99st reunion of the Council of Historical Heritage, held in Sigüenza (Guadalajara).
Firm support for a deeply rooted tradition
The regional secretary, Marta Alonso, indicates that the Valencian Community "will be present in the nomination of Nativity scenes to UNESCO for its declaration as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity." The Ministry of Education, Culture and Universities has actively participated in preparing the dossier for this nomination, recognizing Nativity scenes as "a deeply rooted tradition in the Valencian Community that forms part of Valencian identity, as evidenced by the numerous examples that exist throughout our region."
This nomination was developed in collaboration with the Association of Nativity Scene Makers of the Valencian Community and encompasses traditional, artistic, and living nativity scenes. It is hoped that, in addition to Spain and Italy, other countries will join this initiative.
European recognition and leadership in heritage
The Nau of the University of Valencia received the February 25 The European Heritage Label, the first in the Valencian Community. This candidacy was endorsed by the Heritage Council of Murcia and promoted by the Ministry of Education, Culture and Universities with the aim of recognizing the historical and cultural importance of the University of Valencia and Joan Lluís Vives as symbols of humanism, knowledge and European vocation.
The Valencian Community has positioned itself as one of the autonomous communities with the most assets declared Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO and is a pioneer in obtaining this type of recognition. The Regional Ministry continues working to promote new nominations that highlight the great wealth of Valencian cultural heritage. The Regional Secretary points out that, each year, "it becomes more difficult to add new cultural expressions to this list."
Therefore, there is increasing effort to participate in joint bids with other regions or countries, as well as to expand existing bids. In addition to Nativity Scenes, the Valencian Community is also participating in bids for the Jota dance, the Latin Sailing tradition, and the Esparto Grass Culture.
Aid for the promotion of UNESCO heritage
The Ministry of Education, Culture and Universities annually announces a line of aid Specifically, these grants are intended for the dissemination, promotion and encouragement of the heritage of the Valencian Community recognized as World Heritage or Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
With these subsidies, the Generalitat collaborates with municipalities, foundations, associations and non-profit organizations in the development of various activities. These include the organization of meetings, seminars, and congresses, the editing of publications or the organization of exhibitionsAll of this is to ensure the maintenance of the values that determined the inclusion of these assets on the UNESCO list.
