The paper presents Carpathian transhumance as a case study of Romania’s living pastoral traditions. Practiced since the Middle Ages, this seasonal movement of sheep shaped local economies, landscapes, and cultural expressions, from rituals to ecological knowledge. Today, it faces challenges from demographic decline, land fragmentation, and regulations, yet remains a marker of identity. The case study highlights both its vulnerability and the need for integrated safeguarding at national and European levels.
The paper presents the Traditional Romanian Music Band (Taraf) as a case study of intangible cultural heritage. Spread across all folkloric regions, these ensembles - typically composed of violin, contra, and double bass, sometimes enriched with instruments like cobza, dulcimer, zongora, taragot or accordion - play a central role in community life at weddings, village dances, and festivals. The study highlights the diversity of regional types, from Wallachia and Moldavia to Maramureș, Transylvania, Banat, and Dobrogea, showing how bands adapt their structure and repertoire to local traditions. Transmission is mainly familial, passed from one generation to the next, and remains open to influences across ethnic groups (Romanian, Hungarian, Roma, German, Slovak, Serbian). Today, despite challenges from urbanization and commercialization, safeguarding measures - festivals, archives, NGOs, and national legislation - seek to preserve the vitality and authenticity of these ensembles as a defining element of Romania’s living cultural heritage
The case study presents the town of Ghimbav as an example of how intangible cultural heritage, particularly the Saxon legacy, is integrated into community identity during a period of rapid transformation into an “airport town.” Although the Saxon community has almost disappeared demographically, its cultural symbols, traditions, and practices remain embedded in local life through the efforts of the municipality, schools, NGOs, and cultural institutions. Festivals, reenactments, craft workshops, and school projects ensure intergeneraational transmission, while heritage is also incorporated into city branding and supported by local businesses. The analysis shows that intangible heritage functions as a resource for social cohesion, urban development, and sustainable identity-building. Future priorities include digitizing heritage archives, strengthening educational partnerships, reviving lost traditions, and consolidating community councils, positioning Ghimbav as a model of how tradition and modernity can coexist in urban development
A case study that, in addition to presenting heritage, also offers educational content with questionnaires.
Difficult legacies deal with history and themes from the past that do not fit easily into the sense of identity of the human community of which they are a part. Rather than affirming positive self-images, they can disrupt or threaten to expose social differences and conflicts.
The preservation and affirmation of original folk art gives each nation a special historical dimension.
This case study discusses intangible heritage. The case study of the Greek island of Poros, may illustrate the presence of religious traditions and the role of volunteers -such as the Women’s cultural association Poriotissa-, associations that reinforce elements of intangible cultural heritage of the area. This may take place via the revival and the inclusion of traditions (for example, Vespers for a Saint’s name day) in the everyday life of people and visitors.
The case study of the area of Pieria, may illustrate the presence of religious traditions and the role of the church and monks, but also the inclusion and incorporation of traditions in the everyday life of the peoples community. These traditions may reinforce elements of intangible cultural heritage of the area and bring together communities from different countries along with intangible traditions and culture, providing the link of the Greek and the European cultural chain. This may take place via the revival and the inclusion of traditions in the everyday life of inhabitants and visitors, memory storytelling and safeguarding of common values. Beyond its natural beauty, Pieria’s strength is its diversity. Visitors can experience pilgrimage routes to sacred sites such as the Monasteries of Saint Dionysios, Saint Athanasios, etc., explore ancient Dion, enjoy seaside leisure, or engage in outdoor adventure and wellness activities on Olympus. This multidimensional identity allows us to attract different types of travelers throughout the year from pilgrims and hikers to cultural explorers and families.
The case study of the Greek island of Samos, highlights the famous wine making and the grape vines of the island as elements of intangible cultural heritage that continue the traditional way of cultivating wine in drystone areas all over the island and producing wine, procedures that have been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
The case study of the Greek island of Agistri, may showcase traditional ways of life as elements of intangible cultural heritage that have become extinct in the passage of time or have been substituted by more modern ways or because of more advanced technologies.
TThe case study of the Greek island of Ikaria, highlights the significance of the festivities/ festivals (“panigyria”) because their performance is a supreme expression of the sense of belonging to the community and the solidarity of their members according to the decision of the Greek Ministry of Culture to include them in the Intangible Heritage List. Ikaria is also included in the world’s five Blue Zones where people live longer following a Mediterranean diet and cultivating their land producing their own products.
The case study of the Prefecture of Larissa, may illustrate the presence of intangible heritage through the inclusion and incorporation of traditions from the everyday life of the community people associated with enogastronomy and the production of local products. This well-known area for its fertile land, also depicts its everyday life in the abundance of its ethnographic museums that also incorporates intangible elements from the 400 years of the Ottoman Empire in Greece and the influences from the Balkans and Europe. In that way, it offers an abundant area of research where common European values are mixed.
The Thessalian Plain in the Periphery of Thessaly where the Prefecture of Larissa is located, has the main geographical feature in the Greek region of Thessaly. The plain was very fertile, and until the early 20th century the area was a breadbasket for Greece. The existence of the plain made Thessaly one of the few regions in Ancient Greece that could house a large number of cavalry. The Thessalian cavalry was an important part of the ancient Macedonian army of Philip II and Alexander the Great. Today, the Thessalian plain is mainly cultivated with wheat and cotton, while on a smaller scale corn, industrial tomatoes, watermelon, melon and other vegetables are also grown.
Cultivation of land and traditions such as harvesting that on the one hand, have been modernized, while on the other, form the community’s roots may reinforce elements of intangible cultural heritage of the area and bring communities together not only at local level, but also at peripheral, national and international level. Different countries associated with similar intangible traditions and cultural elements such as the way land was cultivated may provide the link in the Greek and the European cultural chain via memory storytelling and safeguarding of these common values.
.
The case study of the Prefecture of Magnesia, may illustrate the significance of intangible heritage for the social bonding of the society but also the sustainable tourist development of the area through the inclusion and incorporation of legends and myths in people’s everyday life since the region of Magnesia is mentioned in some of the most important Greek myths well-known to the European countries. Pelion was inhabited by the Centaurs, horse-like beings who came from the union of Ixion and Nephele. A well-known Centaur in mythology was Chiron, who mediated the marriage of Peleus with Thetis, which took place in Pelion. During the marriage and because of the apple of discord, the Trojan War was caused. The Argonaut expedition, which is historically related to the beginning of the technical processing of gold in Greece, also began from Magnesia. The legend of centaurs have created pathways to mountain Pelion for alternative forms of tourism.
Centenarian plane trees in mountain Pelion were used according to legends for food storage. Traditions from the everyday life of the community people are associated with gastronomy and the production of local products. This well-known area for its fertile land, also depicts its everyday life in the abundance of its ethnographic museums. In that way, it offers an abundant area of research where common European values are mixed.
The prefectures of Kozani, Grevena, Kastoria, Prespes, Florina, Fthiotida, Greece are areas that are away from big centers, and the winter lasts longer and is stronger than in other parts of Greece. The areas though, manage to produce furs, wine, saffron, peaches and mushrooms for which the above-mentioned areas are famous. In that way, the land allows local people of the area to work but also associate their living with sustainable forms of tourism, such as the production of local products that come from their land.
The Greek National Index of Intangible Cultural Heritage constitutes the systematic recording of the practices, representations, expressions, knowledge and techniques that are part of the Intangible Cultral Heritage, as they are practiced or performed today, as well as a means of highlighting good practices for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage. Specific practices of thermal baths (such as sauna bathing) are recognized as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO. The case study of Evoia with its thermal spas in the city of Edipsos, the “capital” of the thermal spas in Greece, consists of elements of intangible heritage associated with the recording of practices, collective memories, but also of natural beauty. The aim of the study is to record the points of interest of the area associated with bathing traditions.
Case Study on Chalkidice - Central Macedonia for Chapter 6
Extended Case Study for Chapter 7 in the region EASTERN MACEDONIA - THRACE
A SAMPLE CASE FOR THE PROMOTION OF ARMATA TRADITION FROM UNIWA STUDENTS
A case study from the SERIFOS SIFNOS FOLEGANDRO islands, Greece.
The case study of the Greek islands of Serifos, Sifnos, Folegandros may present former traditional professions such as mining and the profession of pottery as elements of intangible cultural
heritage that have shaped people’s and humanity’s lives in the passage of time.
Μελέτες περιπτώσεων από διάφορες ελληνικές περιφέρειες, που έχουν σχεδιαστεί ειδικά για το πρόγραμμα INTHrace.
Cămașa cu altiță – perspective asupra unui simbol identitar în context național și internațional
Articolul analizează valoarea culturală a cămășii cu altiță ca element reprezentativ al patrimoniului cultural imaterial. Sunt evidențiate rolul acesteia în construirea identității culturale, provocările legate de protejarea autenticității în contextul globalizării, precum și influența mass-mediei, a politicilor culturale și a Convenției UNESCO din 2003 asupra conservării și promovării acestui patrimoniu viu.
The Traditional Blouse with Embroidery on the Shoulder (Altiță): Perspectives on an Identity Symbol in National and International Contexts
This article explores the cultural significance of the Romanian traditional blouse with altiță as a living element of Intangible Cultural Heritage. It examines its role in shaping cultural identity, the challenges of safeguarding authenticity in a globalised world, and the impact of media, public policies, and the UNESCO 2003 Convention on its preservation and promotion.
Oltenia și patrimoniul său cultural imaterial UNESCO
Articolul evidențiază bogăția patrimoniului cultural imaterial al Olteniei recunoscut de UNESCO, prezentând tehnicile tradiționale de țesere a scoarțelor, arta cămășii cu altiță, ceramica de Horezu și alte practici rituale care definesc identitatea culturală a regiunii. Studiul subliniază importanța conservării meșteșugurilor tradiționale, a sprijinirii comunităților de creatori și a promovării acestor tradiții vii ca parte esențială a patrimoniului cultural românesc.
Oltenia and Its UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage
This article presents the rich intangible cultural heritage of Oltenia recognized by UNESCO, highlighting traditional weaving techniques, the art of the blouse with altiță, Horezu pottery, and ritual practices that continue to shape the region’s cultural identity. It emphasizes the importance of preserving traditional craftsmanship, supporting local communities, and promoting these living traditions as essential expressions of Romania’s cultural heritage.
Portul tradițional românesc – componentă reprezentativă a patrimoniului material și imaterial
Articolul analizează portul tradițional românesc ca element al patrimoniului material și imaterial, evidențiind rolul său în exprimarea identității culturale, a valorilor sociale și a credințelor comunităților. Studiul prezintă funcțiile simbolice, rituale și regionale ale costumului popular și subliniază necesitatea conservării și valorificării acestuia ca parte esențială a patrimoniului cultural al României.
Romanian Traditional Costume – A Representative Component of Tangible and Intangible Heritage
This article explores the Romanian traditional costume as both a tangible cultural asset and a living expression of intangible heritage. It examines the costume’s social, symbolic, ritual, and regional significance, showing how traditional clothing reflects identity, beliefs, customs, and community values while highlighting the importance of preserving this essential element of Romania’s cultural heritage.
Articolul prezintă pieptănăturile tradiționale din Bucovina ca element al patrimoniului cultural imaterial, evidențiind semnificațiile lor sociale, simbolice și estetice. Studiul subliniază importanța conservării acestor practici tradiționale ca parte a identității culturale locale.
Acest studiu face parte din lucrarea Ghidul iubitorilor de folclor, vol. 2/2016, publicată la Editura Lidana, Suceava. Responsabil de proiect: Dr. Constanța Cristescu, Centrul pentru Conservarea și Promovarea Culturii Tradiționale.
---
Heritage, highlighting their symbolic meanings, social functions, and connection to traditional costumes. It underlines the importance of preserving these practices as expressions of cultural identity and craftsmanship.
This study is part of the publication Guide for Folklore Lovers, Vol. 2/2016, published by Lidana Publishing House, Suceava. Project Coordinator: Dr. Constanța Cristescu, Centre for the Conservation and Promotion of Traditional Culture.
Articolul prezintă istoria și valoarea culturală a cobzei, unul dintre cele mai reprezentative instrumente ale muzicii tradiționale românești. Studiul evidențiază rolul său în tarafurile populare și importanța conservării acestui simbol al patrimoniului muzical național.
Acest studiu face parte din lucrarea Ghidul iubitorilor de folclor, vol. 2/2016, publicată la Editura Lidana, Suceava. Responsabil de proiect: Dr. Constanța Cristescu, Centrul pentru Conservarea și Promovarea Culturii Tradiționale.
This article traces the history and cultural significance of the cobza, one of Romania's most representative traditional musical instruments. It highlights its role in folk ensembles, its historical evolution, and the importance of safeguarding this valuable element of the country's musical heritage.
This study is part of the publication Guide for Folklore Lovers, Vol. 2/2016, published by Lidana Publishing House, Suceava. Project Coordinator: Dr. Constanța Cristescu, Centre for the Conservation and Promotion of Traditional Culture.
Articolul analizează tradițiile colindatului din județul Dâmbovița, evidențiind interferențele culturale dintre comunitățile românești și bulgărești și valorile comune reflectate în obiceiurile de iarnă. Studiul demonstrează rolul patrimoniului cultural imaterial în promovarea dialogului intercultural și a identității locale.
Acest studiu face parte din lucrarea Ghidul iubitorilor de folclor, vol. 2/2016, publicată la Editura Lidana, Suceava. Responsabil de proiect: Dr. Constanța Cristescu, Centrul pentru Conservarea și Promovarea Culturii Tradiționale.
This article examines the Christmas caroling traditions of Dâmbovița County, highlighting the cultural exchanges between Romanian and Bulgarian communities and their shared festive customs. It illustrates how living traditions foster intercultural dialogue while preserving local identities.
This study is part of the publication Guide for Folklore Lovers, Vol. 2/2016, published by Lidana Publishing House, Suceava. Project Coordinator: Dr. Constanța Cristescu, Centre for the Conservation and Promotion of Traditional Culture.
Costumul național în comuna Mălini
Articolul prezintă costumul tradițional din comuna Mălini ca expresie a identității locale, a măiestriei meșteșugărești și a continuității culturale. Studiul evidențiază evoluția istorică a portului, elementele sale decorative specifice și rolul său în păstrarea tradițiilor și valorilor comunității.
Acest studiu face parte din lucrarea Ghidul iubitorilor de folclor, vol. 2/2016, publicată la Editura Lidana, Suceava. Responsabil de proiect: Dr. Constanța Cristescu, Centrul pentru Conservarea și Promovarea Culturii Tradiționale.
This article explores the traditional costume of Mălini as an expression of local identity, craftsmanship, and cultural continuity. It examines its historical evolution, distinctive decorative elements, and its role in preserving the traditions and values of the local community.
This study is part of the publication Guide for Folklore Lovers, Vol. 2/2016, published by Lidana Publishing House, Suceava. Project Coordinator: Dr. Constanța Cristescu, Centre for the Conservation and Promotion of Traditional Culture.
Case study UNESCO (Bulgarian, subtitles English)
The traditional dances and polyphonic singing from Shoplouk region of Bulgaria: UNESCO case
The present article arose from a desire to clarify contradictory statements regarding the decorative ornaments which are to be found on the carpeting from different regions in Bulgaria and in the Chiprovtsi carpets particularly.
This article will trace the role of several exhibitions for the safeguarding and transmission of Surova
traditions and rituals curated by the National Ethnological Museum, inscribed in 2015 on the UNESCO Representative List
of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Sofia Regional Center for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage in South-East Europe under the auspices of UNESCO:
Masterpieces of Intangible Cultural Heritage in South-East Europe
This folder contains presentations on Fado as Intangible Cultural Heritage, exploring its history, community transmission, UNESCO recognition and role in sustainable tourism. The resources address cultural authenticity, community involvement, digital innovation and the risks of commercialization, and include learning outcomes and discussion questions for higher education.
Case study of urban ICH practices in Warsaw [in Polish].
Case-based analysis of community consent under the Convention.
Analysis of ICH practices and appropriation