The Committee
- Takes note that El Salvador has nominated The Confraternity of flowers and palms (No. 02240) for inscription on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity:
The Confraternity of flowers and palms is a traditional celebration that blends indigenous beliefs with Catholic practices in the community of Panchimalco. The event coincides with the beginning of the rainy and harvest season and is characterized by a procession of palms decorated with wildflowers. This procession, which attracts visitors from around the world, is accompanied by traditional dances, music, prayers and the preparation of special foods made with rice, corn, cocoa and herbs. Children wear traditional clothing made from handwoven fabrics and carry images of the Virgin.
- 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.2: The submitting State Party consistently identifies how the element contributes to various aspects of sustainable development, with a particular emphasis on promoting gender equality, by creating equal opportunities for men and women, and ensuring the participation of women in decision-making, organization, and development of the celebration. With a concern for environmental sustainability, the protection of woodlands and green spaces in the area used in the event is encouraged. Meals for devotees are also provided. Finally, the nomination file reveals how the inscription of the element would help to ensure the visibility and awareness of the importance of intangible cultural heritage at the local, national and global levels.
R.4: The submitting State Party has demonstrated that the community and groups concerned actively participated in all stages of the preparation of the nomination, including in terms of the role of gender. The process began in December 2019 and included both in-person and virtual consultations, with mechanisms in place for broad engagement across the country. Despite COVID-19 limitations, the file reflects continuity in the participation of those involved and acknowledges logistical challenges. Consent was obtained during the nomination process and is described as part of a structured consultation and evaluation cycle from 2019 until 2020. Evidence of consent is noted to have been collected during the documentation and working group sessions, and the file refers to the community’s endorsement of the nomination.
- Further considers that, from the information included in the file and the information provided by the submitting State Party through the dialogue process, the nomination satisfies the following criteria for inscription on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity:
R.1: The Confraternity of Flowers and Palms is organized by a structure of community members with predefined roles such as the ‘Teta’ (the highest authority), elected ‘Priostes’ (the organizers), and other volunteers who work together to manage the religious activities, food preparation and dance performances. The related knowledge and skills, including the oral traditions, dance movements, handicraft techniques, cooking techniques, and the use of wildflowers for decoration, are transmitted informally within families and communities, as well as through participation in the festivities. The element thus provides a space for the transmission of religious and social values. A marker of the resilience of practising communities, it also promotes unity and a shared sense of identity.
R.3: Safeguarding measures for the element have been put in place at two levels: the state and municipal levels. The proposed safeguarding measures include the recognition and gazetting of the element, setting up a committee to safeguard the element and the use of legal frameworks to protect it.
R.5: The element was included in the Inventario Salvadoreño de Patrimonio Cultural Inmaterial in 2022. This inventory is maintained by the Directorate of Cultural Anthropology, National Directorate of Cultural Heritage, Ministry of Culture of El Salvador. The inventory process requires the involvement of the community concerned in the identification, consent, and update stages.
- Decides to inscribe The Confraternity of flowers and palms on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity;
- Commends the State Party for its first inscription.