UNESCO recognizes the Parrandas Cubanas as heritage

The Parrandas of the central region of Cuba are added to the Rumba and the Punto Cubano to be part, from this Wednesday, of the Representative list of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of the Humanity of the UNESCO.

According to a press release from the Ministry of Culture of this country, the festivities - held in 18 municipalities of the Caribbean island - were registered during the 13th meeting of the UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee in charge of safeguarding it, which will be held until the coming December 1st in Port Louis, capital of Mauritius.

In statements by Gladys Collazo, president of the National Council of Cultural Heritage in Cuba, Parrandas promote the cultural identity of the peoples of the central region and are deeply popular because they are organized by and for the people.

Collazo also highlighted the value of the designs, architecture, music and dance that accompany the work in the squares, the floats and costumes that make the villagers true artists in defense of their neighborhoods. He also thanked those who made this inscription possible "especially to the bearers and community of each neighborhood of the 18 Parrandas that make up this registry, as well as to all the people and institutions, especially the Parrandas Museum, which contribute to maintaining alive this patrimonial tradition of the Cuban nation ".

The festival includes a total of 18 Parrandas that are between Sancti Spíritus, Villa Clara and Ciego de Ávila. All under the same condition, although some more known than others. The Parrandas were declared Cultural Patrimony of the Nation in 2013, according to the first requirement demanded by UNESCO.