Spain has earned recognition for two living crafts that weave culture into daily life: transhumance and glass blowing. In a decision upheld by UNESCO, these practices were named Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity on a recent session in Africa, underscoring their enduring value to communities across the country and beyond.
The international nomination led by Spain highlights transhumance as a traditional system that moves livestock across a network of routes. It stretches across the Iberian Peninsula and its islands, a tapestry that shows how grazing has shaped regional identities in autonomous communities and in neighboring countries. The overarching message from Spain’s cultural authorities is that the seasonal journeys of herds remain a vibrant, living heritage. Festivals, culinary traditions, place names, and distinctive architecture all reflect this ancient practice and its continued relevance in modern life.
Alongside the transhumance recognition, UNESCO also inscribed the glass blowing technique in Spain as a representative realm of craft knowledge. This inscription forms part of a broader international effort that includes collaboration with other European nations. The designation highlights skillful glass production, where centuries of knowledge meet contemporary artistry, preserving techniques passed down through generations.
Spanish centers of glass creation have existed for more than three centuries. Cited by cultural authorities, major hubs include facilities such as Segovia’s renowned glass center and Mallorca’s Gordiola workshop. The recognition emphasizes not only the craftsmanship but also the cultural context that surrounds these studios and the artifacts they produce.
Officials note that roughly 140 craftsmen and workshops operate across the region, sometimes connected to museums. Their work brings visibility to unique glass objects and the legacy of centers that have gradually disappeared yet continue to inspire new generations of artists and audiences alike.
Twenty-one manifestations of Intangible Heritage
With these new inscriptions, Spain now counts twenty-one cultural expressions that the world acknowledges as Intangible Cultural Heritage. The Ministry of Culture notes the growing list of practices that define the nation’s living heritage and shape its cultural landscape.
Additionally, Spain has four examples included in the Register of Good Practices for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage. This register recognizes notable programs, initiatives, and activities that protect living heritage and facilitate its transmission to other countries. These efforts strengthen international collaboration and ensure that communities can continue to celebrate and sustain their traditions.
Looking ahead, the Asturian cider culture is slated for UNESCO consideration in the coming year. There is also attention on extending the recognition of dry stone art to Madrid, the Canary Islands, and Murcia. These potential expansions reflect ongoing efforts to safeguard and share Spain’s diverse intangible heritage with a broader audience, reinforcing the country’s role in the global cultural conversation.