Benefitting country(ies): Saint Lucia

Overview:

Implemented by the Saint Lucia National Commission for UNESCO, this preparatory assistance request concerns the nomination of The Flower Festivals of Saint Lucia to the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Celebrated annually on 30 August and 17 October, the Flower Festivals date back more than 250 years and have become a symbol of community resilience, particularly in the face of slavery. In addition to being an integral part of the local history and cultural identity, the festivals have strong religious and social significance for the practising communities. The Flower Festivals are divided into two flower societies – Lawòz (the rose festival) and La Magéwit (the marguerite festival) – each of which is comprised of several community groups. The preparatory assistance requested will support activities to facilitate the preparation of the nomination file, such as the organization of consultations with community members and other stakeholders to obtain their free, prior and informed consent for the nomination file.

01/08/2025 - 30/04/2026 – The Masquerade traditions of Saint Kitts and Nevis02/04/2024 - 31/03/2026 – Safeguarding plans for the transfer of three elements of Mali's intangible cultural heritage inscribed on the Urgent Safeguarding List to the Representative List