Cirio de Nazaré becomes UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage

The celebration of the Cirio de Nazaré in Belém of Pará was recognized, as of today, as the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. It is thus inscribed on the list of 257 other cultural events worldwide, which represent expressions of intangible heritage that are transmitted and perpetuated among communities.

With the approval of the Brazilian candidacy at the 8th Ordinary Session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage, Brazil now has four elements of their intangible heritage considered by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site: (i) Wajapis' oral and graphic expressions; (ii) Samba de Roda do Recôncavo Baiano; (iii) Frevo; (iv) Círio de Nazaré.

The protection of cultural and folk traditions is regulated by the Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage, adopted by the 32nd General Conference of UNESCO in October 2003, and in force since April 2006.