Colombia's Carnival of Barranquilla, was declared by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) on Friday to be a tradition of Oraland Intangible Heritage of humanity.

This was announced on Friday by the Colombian Culture Minister Maria Araujo. The minister said that through this recognition: "One of the most important cultural traditions of the Colombian people is now visible to the world."

Maria Araujo said the mixture of colors, rhythm, dancing, costumes and people in each carnival kept the cultural tradition of Colombia alive, a reason why such UNESCO recognition was worth being proud of.

This decision was taken by a jury of 18 experts which selected 28 masterpieces including the Barranquilla Carnival out of 56 candidacies, each of which was evaluated by different specialized institutions.

The Colombian cultural masterpiece was presented through the Culture Ministry which attended petitions presented by public and private institutions.

The Oral and Intangible Cultural Heritage award calls for the practices, representations and expressions as well as the associated knowledge and the necessary skills.

It is manifested in oral traditions, expressions and language, performing arts, social practices, rituals and festive events, knowledge and practices about nature and the universe, and traditional craftsmanship.

Earlier in November, UNESCO signed a convention on safeguardingthe intangible cultural heritage.
 
(Xinhua News Agency November 8, 2003)