The Committee

1. Takes note that Colombia has nominated Living pictures of Galeras, Sucre (No. 01887) for inscription on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity:

The Living Pictures of Galeras in Colombia is a collective and community-based artistic expression that consists of recreating static scenes related to religion, daily life, literature, current affairs, legends, or any other topic that may arise from the rich collective imaginary. The staging of a picture demands a concerted effort between families and creative groups. It usually takes place during the evening in the streets. This activity, referred to as ‘dressing the streets’, entails creating an outdoor art gallery in which artists, artworks, critics and thousands of spectators come together in a fascinating universe of creativity and magical realism. The living pictures are accompanied by other cultural practices such as rhymes, songs, dance, traditional music, local cuisine and crafts. The most significant expression of ephemeral folk art in Colombia, it involves all inhabitants of the municipality. Children are encouraged to participate from an early age, allowing them to acquire skills and take ownership of the practice. The practice is also transmitted in educational institutions and through public celebrations. The living pictures of Galeras are a cultural reference and source of inspiration. They constitute a powerful tool of communication and collective memory, connecting art with life while strengthening community ties and inclusion.

2. Considers that, from the information included in the file, the nomination satisfies the following criteria for inscription on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity:

R.1:   The element is a community-based artistic expression that consists of recreated or imagined scenes from various aspects of life. The practitioners and bearers are all inhabitants of the municipality of Galeras and include woodworkers, painters, artisans, elders and students. The transmission of knowledge and skills occurs informally through families and across generations. Formal transmission takes place through the educational institutions of the Galeras Municipality. The element is a cultural reference and source of inspiration for the practitioners. It is a tool of communication, promotes respect for diversity, peace, intergenerational dialogue, social inclusion and strengthening of community ties.

R.3:   Since 2013, the State Party has had a safeguarding plan for the element with the main objective of strengthening ties of solidarity within the community and guaranteeing the viability of the element. The plan, developed with broad participation of the community, consists of three critical measures which include: (a) management, organization and participation; (b) training, creation and recreation; and (c) research and awareness raising. An awareness-raising campaign is being carried out through community radio stations and social media to showcase community-driven safeguarding activities. The safeguarding measures were planned with broad community participation in 2012 and 2013. In 2020, the Cultural Week and capacity-building processes in rural areas were carried out virtually reaching approximately 10,000 people inside and outside the municipality.

R.4:   The process of preparing the nomination file began between in 2020 and 2021. It began with the expression of interest by the Galeran community to the Ministry of Culture of Colombia to nominate the element to the Representative List. The process included fieldwork and participatory workshops conducted in urban and rural areas of the municipality to present the initiative, obtain the communities’ informed consent and support, and establish a communication strategy. A large number of consent letters were received in demonstration of community support for the inscription. Twelve mailboxes were strategically placed in Galeras which encouraged submission of consent letters, especially from rural areas. A public email address and social media platforms were also used. Other measures included the creation of resources aimed at specific groups, such as workshops, in-person interviews, and the creation of a pedagogical guide on the nomination process for high school students.

R.5:   The element was listed in the National Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2013. The inventory is managed and maintained by the Intangible Heritage Group of the Division of Heritage and Memory of the Ministry of Culture of Colombia. Information about the updating of the inventory is included in the periodic report submitted in 2021.

3. Further considers that, from the information included in the file and the information provided by the submitting State through the dialogue process, the nomination satisfies the following criterion for inscription on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity:

R.2:   The element is integral to the annual celebrations tied to the agricultural calendar which embody social and cultural values crucial for food security. These portrayals are crucial in raising awareness about agricultural cycles, community cooperation and enhancing local agricultural knowledge and practices. In addition, Living Pictures provide a platform for artistic expression and a means to process experiences including challenges from Colombia’s armed conflict, thus contributing to peaceful co-existence and social cohesion. The file further indicates that the element fosters inclusive development particularly through cultural tourism activities led by practitioners. The growth in cultural tourism boosts income for local craftspeople and enriches cultural events. Young female apprentices are encouraged to participate equally, and women play a significant role in creating and transmitting the element, thereby highlighting their leadership in the safeguarding efforts.

4. Decides to inscribe Living pictures of Galeras, Sucre on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity;
5. Encourages the State Party to consider the possible unintended effects of the inscription of the element, including the unintended consequences of increased tourism.