The Committee
- Takes note that Argentina has nominated Cuarteto: music, dance and lyrics in the city of Córdoba, Argentina (No. 02243) for inscription on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity:
Cuarteto is a lively dance music genre that blends local criollo musical styles with influences from European immigrants. Early cuarteto orchestras featured instruments such as the piano, violin, accordion and double bass, with a singer leading the performance. Over time, the genre has incorporated Caribbean rhythms, Afro-Latin percussion, and wind instruments, becoming a significant part of local culture. Today, cuarteto remains an important cultural expression, with lyrics often focused on everyday life, love and joy. It is popular at ‘bailes’ (dance events), where orchestras of eight or more musicians perform, and people dance in circles, following a fast-paced rhythm known as the ‘tunga’.
- 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: Cuarteto is a key part of family gatherings, parties and community events, with the music and dance contributing to a strong sense of unity and local identity. Indeed, musicians and the audience communicate with hand signs that identify each neighbourhood. Traditionally passed down within families and communities, the genre is now also taught in schools as part of folklore education. While cuarteto is still popular among working-class communities, its reach has expanded to other social groups. A means of expressing historical and social struggles, it continues to offer emotional support and joy to its bearers, including in challenging times.
R.3: Since 2009, diverse measures have been continuously implemented to ensure the viability and the revitalization of the element. This includes its integration into formal education in kindergarten and primary schools. Future measures focusing on identification and archiving, education and promotion, and training all practitioners from a gender perspective are planned, and all of them involve the direct participation of bearer communities.
R.4: The nomination file shows the continuous participation of practitioners in each stage of its preparation. This process involved a collaborative and dialogue-based reflection on the culture of the cuarteto, including young people, families and women, on issues such as gender, intangible cultural heritage, democracy and identity.
R.5: The element was included in the Survey of Manifestations of Argentina’s Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2021. This inventory is managed by the National Agency of Cultural Assets and Places, Ministry of Culture and is regularly updated upon request.
- 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 criterion for inscription on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity:
R.2: The submitting State Party consistently identifies 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, promoting intercultural dialogue and the appreciation of cultural diversity. It also demonstrates the contributions of the element to the following aspects of sustainable development: quality education, gender equality, environmental sustainability, inclusive economic development, and peace and social cohesion.
- Decides to inscribe Cuarteto: music, dance and lyrics in the city of Córdoba, Argentina on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity;
- Commends the State Party for giving children the opportunity to learn about cultural heritage from the early years of education.