site.btaBulgarian Chitalishte Added to UNESCO List of Practices for Safeguarding Vitality Intangible Cultural Heritage

Sofia, December 8 (BTA) - The Bulgarian Chitalishte community cultural centre has been added by UNESCO to the register of practical experiences in safeguarding the vitality of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, the Culture Ministry said on Friday.

Operating across the country, the chitalishte centres are established by communities themselves and are open to everyone irrespective of age, gender, political and religious views, UNESCO says in its decision.

The first such centres were established in 1856 and they have been recognized as a key organizational unit of Bulgarian society ever since. They perform cultural and educational activities aimed at safeguarding local customs and traditions. The Chitalishte is central to the process of transmitting intangible cultural heritage in the country, with elderly members playing a key role in encouraging young people to get involved. The efficiency of chitalishte is demonstrated by their increasing numbers over the years and the growing numbers of participants in their activities.

This decision comes several days after the Bulgarian martenitsa was inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity along with practices associated with March 1 in Macedonia, Moldova and Romania.

The traditions of martenitsa/martinka/martisor have survived centuries and are still celebrated at the beginning of spring. The main practice consists of making, offering and wearing a red and white thread, which is then untied when the first blossom tree, swallow or stork is seen.

All members of the communities concerned participate, irrespective of their age, and the practice contributes to social cohesion, intergenerational exchange and interaction with nature, fostering diversity and creativity, UNESCO writes.