Introduction
When it comes to safeguarding intangible cultural heritage (ICH), the local level is the first line of defense. Communities and municipalities are not only the custodians of traditions but also the main actors in ensuring they are valued, transmitted, and protected. While UNESCO and national governments provide frameworks and resources, it is at the local level that heritage truly lives and survives.
Two dimensions of local protection
- Municipal responsibilities
- Identification and registration of ICH elements.
- Legal recognition and protection of cultural and natural assets.
- Integration of cultural heritage into urban and rural planning.
- Provision of technical support, funding, and recognition programs.
- Community involvement
- Local associations and cultural groups manage and transmit practices.
- Families and practitioners keep alive elements that could otherwise be lost.
- Community-driven initiatives often sustain heritage when institutional support is weak.
Together, these two dimensions make safeguarding both structured (through laws and policies) and living (through community agency).
Activities at the local level
Key actions taken by municipalities and communities include:
- Community engagement and awareness programs.
- Heritage-sensitive planning to avoid erasing traditions through modernization.
- Risk elimination (e.g., protecting spaces for rituals).
- Education in schools and cultural centers.
- Local financing and investment in crafts, festivals, and training.
Case studies
The importance of local safeguarding becomes much clearer when we examine how communities put these principles into practice. The following case study presents the Croatian tradition of the Lastovo Poklad carnival, a living custom that has been preserved through the active involvement of local residents, cultural associations, and municipal authorities. Rather than relying solely on legal protection, the safeguarding of this tradition is based on community participation, intergenerational transmission, and systematic documentation. As you watch the video, consider how different local actors work together to ensure that this unique cultural practice remains a meaningful part of community life.
The Lastovo Poklad carnival is just one example of how local communities play a central role in safeguarding living heritage.
Another example is provided by the Praga Museum in Warsaw:
Across Europe and beyond, many other communities have developed inspiring approaches to documenting, transmitting, and revitalising their cultural traditions. If you would like to explore further, the following resources present additional case studies that illustrate different models of community participation, local governance, and heritage safeguarding:
- Tranos Choros (Grand Dance) in Vlasti, Greece – safeguarded by annual organization and community participation.
- Syrrako Festival (Greece) – sustained by cultural associations.
- Călușarii Dance (Romania) – actively transmitted through apprenticeships and local festivities.
- Bećarac singing (Croatia) – promoted first at local festivals before national recognition.
- Szopka tradition (Poland) – municipal competitions in Krakow keep the craft dynamic.
- Cante Alentejano (Portugal) – supported by local choirs and community centers.
- Nestinarstvo fire-dancing (Bulgaria) – maintained in village rituals.
These cases show how local actors play a decisive role in safeguarding.
Application – Student activity
- Select one case study.
- Research it online or via platform resources.
- Identify what specific local actions were taken to safeguard the element.
- Discuss in groups whether additional steps are necessary for its protection.
Reflection questions
- Why is the local level considered the most effective in safeguarding ICH?
- Can heritage survive if communities do not actively practice it, even if UNESCO or the state recognizes it?
- What risks exist if municipalities ignore traditions?
- Think of your hometown: is there a tradition that requires more local protection?