Benefitting country(ies): Dominican Republic

Overview:

This two-year project is being implemented by Dominican National Commission for UNESCO, aims to strengthen the practice and transmission of these traditions through two pillars: training to build capacities of future generations of bearers and awareness-raising on the importance of these two elements for Dominican society. La Cofradía del Espíritu Santo de Los Congos in Villa Mella and El Teatro Cocolo Danzante Los Guloyas in San Pedro de Macorís are two of the Dominican Republic’s most representative Afro-descendant cultural manifestations. Today, the communities concerned are in a situation of economic and social exclusion that is directly affecting the continuity of their traditions, with bearers lacking the financial resources to acquire the instruments, costumes and decorations necessary for the performances and their transmission. This situation has been aggravated by COVID-19 and a lack of awareness among society and the authorities. To safeguard these two living heritage expressions, the project includes workshops on safeguarding of ICH, clothing, decoration, song and dance, and the creation of musical instruments. It also includes the development of a book and documentary, the purchase of clothing and musical instruments, and partnership with the media, educational and cultural institutions, tourist centres and embassies.

02/04/2024 - 17/03/2026 – Consolidating the promotion of intangible cultural heritage education in institutions of higher learning in collaboration with bearer communities01/01/2024 - 31/01/2026 – Inventory of the intangible cultural heritage of traditional and religious festivities in the municipalities of Bluefields, Diriamba, León, El Viejo and Masaya