The Committee
- Takes note that Spain has nominated Asturian cider culture (No. 01959) for inscription on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity:
Asturian cider culture refers to the spaces and processes for producing, serving and enjoying natural cider in the Spanish region of Asturias. A symbol of local identity, the drink is created by fermenting the must of native apple varieties. In Asturias, the taste for cider is seen as the embodiment of the relationship between rural communities and their environment. Apple orchards are a characteristic feature of the Asturian landscape, and the cider features prominently in cultural practices and in popular Asturian vocabulary. Cidermakers are an active presence in social spaces such as cider houses, picnic areas, chigres (cider bars) and private homes. The knowledge and skills related to apple cultivation and production are transmitted within families. This includes knowledge about the soil and climatic conditions of the plots, choosing which native apple varieties to plant, and the details of milling, pressing and fermenting the apple must. Cider pouring and tasting is traditionally transmitted orally and through imitation. Asturian cider culture is linked to sustainable production and the preservation of rural landscapes. It is also an integral part of local cuisine and of traditional events and festivals such as pilgrimages, tasting and pouring competitions, amagüestos (the chestnut festival) and espichas (cider parties).
- 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: Asturian cider culture includes a vast cultural preservation community, including producers and farmers. Knowledge and skills are transmitted informally within families. Initiation to cider pouring and tasting is traditionally done through imitation and oral transmission. Knowledge of the element is centred around aspects such as the soil, climatic conditions, the selection of native apple varieties, and the specificities of milling, pressing and fermenting the musts. The element has various social functions and cultural meanings, including links to local cuisine, socialization practices, sustainable production and the preservation of rural landscapes.
R.2: The element promotes environmental sustainability through responsible apple cultivation, sustainable farming practices and reusable packaging. The element also promotes social cohesion and gender equality through its presence in community events and traditional celebrations that include all members of society.
R.4: The call to include the Asturian cider culture on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity arose from the bearer communities through organizations that make up the Regulatory Council of the Protected Designation of Origin ‘Sidra de Asturias’. The preparation of the nomination involved support and coordination from the Ambassadors of the Asturian Cider Culture, who helped disseminate the nomination in the region. They worked with local authorities to promote the nomination and provided supporting letters which are included in the nomination file.
- 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 criteria for inscription on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity:
R.3: A series of measures have been proposed to be adopted in the future, focusing on the areas of training, research, awareness raising and boosting the visibility of the element. Other measures listed in the file include: (a) inclusion of the element in formal education in primary and secondary schools; (b) promotion of research on aspects of cider culture, such as studies on related social practices; (c) production and consumption; (d) conducting awareness-raising campaigns and establishing an Asturian Cider Day linked to World Cider Day, which is celebrated every year on 3 June. The role of the community in planning and implementing the safeguarding measures is demonstrated in the responses provided by the State Party through the dialogue process.
R.5: The element was included in the Register of Intangible Cultural Heritage of the Principality of Asturias on 2 July 2014. The inventory is maintained by the Directorate General of Culture and Heritage of the Regional Ministry of Culture, Language Policy and Tourism of the Government of the Principality of Asturias. The role of the communities in updating the inventory and the frequency of the updating of the inventory were clarified through the dialogue process.
- Decides to inscribe Asturian cider culture on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.