A publication on the intangible cultural heritage of Cyprus is presented by the Cyprus National Commission UNESCO, with the support of the Deputy Ministry of Tourism and the UNESCO Chair of the University of Nicosia.

Entitled “Intangible Cultural Heritage of Cyprus – National Inventory”, the publication presents the wealth of traditions and customs that have been preserved across generations and are linked to the lives and activities of Cypriots, a press release of the National Commission says.

The Lefkara laces, the Tsiattista poetic duelling, the Byzantine Chant, the Arkatena artisanal rusks, Cyprus traditional wedding customs, the craft of basket-weaving and straw weaving, traditional Easter games, red clay pottery, the art of needlepoint laces of various regions in Cyprus, are only some of the intangible cultural heritage elements that are presented in the publication.

The publication presents the first thirty elements of the intangible cultural heritage of Cyprus inscribed on the National Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage between 2009 and 2017. These include the five elements Cyprus inscribed on the Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity between 2009 and 2019.

The Cyprus National Commission for UNESCO and the Deputy Ministry of Tourism hope that this publication will encourage local and foreign visitors alike to discover and experience the rich traditions and customs practiced and celebrated in the island’s villages and cities. By highlighting the unique traits of the people, places, activities, artefacts and products associated with the intangible cultural heritage of Cyprus, the aim of the Commission and of the Deputy Ministry is to contribute to its safeguarding and promote its effective use in sustainable tourism development processes.

The bilingual publication (Greek and English) is available for free on the website of the Cyprus National Commission for UNESCO (www.unesco.org.cy)