The Slovak shepherd's long pipe, the fujara; the services of Aušusník miners (members of the Herrengrund mining brotherhood, who wear their own uniforms when performing their rituals) from Špania Dolina (Banská Bystrica Region); Radvaň fair (also in Banská Bystrica Region); the music of Terchová (a village in Žilina Region); and traditional hand-held bells: all of these were placed on the nation's first ever Non-Material Cultural Heritage List on Thursday, December 15, the TASR reported, citing Culture Ministry spokesperson Eva Chudinová.
"By having these items listed, we can now vie for entry into the UNESCO World Non-Material Cultural Heritage. The fujara is already included there, and today we put it on our list. At any rate, it's necessary to pay attention to these items in order to help maintain national pride," said Culture Minister Daniel Krajcer during a speech at the ceremonial signing. The Herrengrund dates back to before 1519, and currently has 54 members. Radvaň got the right to organise a market in 1655; it used to take place on the birthday of Virgin Mary and included presentations of various crafts and their products. It later became the biggest and most popular fair in the region around Banská Bystrica. Terchová music is the traditional music of the local community, typified by its vocal and instrumental performances. It is also connected with a typical dance, the Terchovská krútená.
Local municipalities or cultural centres representing each listing received a certificate of authenticity.
Source: TASR
Compiled by Zuzana Vilikovská from press reports
The Slovak Spectator cannot vouch for the accuracy of the information presented in its Flash News postings.
