What is intangible cultural heritage?

Intangible cultural heritage consists of traditions, rituals, festivities, and customs passed down from generation to generation. This type of heritage is different from the heritage you might be familiar with today: buildings, natural phenomena, or paintings.

Intangible cultural heritage is living heritage

That’s why intangible cultural heritage is often called “living” heritage: it’s alive, constantly evolving, and reflected in what we wear, the festivals we celebrate, the food we prepare, the skills we pass on, and the traditions we take part in. Think of examples like Carnival, Keti Koti, crafts such as clog making or batik dyeing, or the telling of folk tales.

Intangible heritage enriches our society

Intangible heritage matters because it helps people feel connected — to the past, to each other, and to different cultures. It adds depth and meaning to society, offering fresh perspectives on social and environmental issues. By sharing customs, traditions, and celebrations, it can build bridges between people from diverse backgrounds.

Zomercarnaval Rotterdam\ — Zomercarnaval in Rotterdam is een carnavalsfestival dat jaarlijks wordt gevierd in Rotterdam, en is sinds 2016 ook terug te vinden in de Inventaris Immaterieel Erfgoed.

The UNESCO Convention on Intangible Heritage and the Netherlands

To highlight the value of intangible heritage and help secure its future, UNESCO introduced the Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2003. Through this convention, UNESCO calls on countries to identify intangible heritage, support knowledge-sharing, and promote its long-term sustainability. Nearly 200 countries — including the Netherlands — have signed the convention. How it is put into practice differs from one country to another.

The Dutch Centre for Intangible Cultural Heritage Netherlands (KIEN) and the UNESCO Convention

Since 2012, the Knowledge Centre for Intangible Heritage Netherlands (KIEN) has coordinated the implementation of the UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage in the Netherlands. Based at the Netherlands Open Air Museum in Arnhem, our mission is to strengthen knowledge, raise awareness, and increase the visibility of intangible heritage.

1_trudy_schildert evaluatieformulier — Plateel is een benaming voor wit, ongeglazuurd aardewerk. De versieringen worden door een plateelschilder, die je hier op de foto ziet, met de hand, op het aardewerk aangebracht.

The Inventory of Intangible Heritage in the Netherlands

One of KIEN’s core responsibilities is managing the Intangible Heritage Inventory of the Netherlands — a living and evolving collection of traditions, crafts, festivals, and customs that are actively practiced and valued today. From flower parades to Pencak Silat, from artisanal fishing to traditional Moluccan healing practices.

The inventory is constantly growing and changing. Intangible heritage is always in motion — new practices emerge, others evolve, or continue in different forms. The inventory reflects this dynamic nature and is shaped by the communities who carry the heritage. They are the experts in their own traditions, and their wishes determine whether or not their heritage is included.