The Committee
- Takes note that the Plurinational State of Bolivia has nominated Festivity of the Virgen of Guadalupe – Patroness of Sucre (No. 02306) for inscription on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity:
The Festivity of the Virgin of Guadalupe is a religious and cultural event held each year in Sucre. It honours the Virgin of Guadalupe, seen by many as a spiritual protector. Coordinated by the Catholic Church and the Association of Folkloric Groups, the celebration combines faith with music, dance and traditional art. It begins with the transfer of the Virgin’s image to the city’s cathedral and continues with daily prayers, candlelight processions, music performances, and public celebrations.
- 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: Key events of the festival include a mass, a procession, a promise of faith, and the folkloric entrance, where thousands of dancers, musicians and singers perform. Songs and prayers are often sung in the native Quechua language. Over 150 dance groups and many schools take part, dressed in colourful costumes made by local artisans. Silverwork and handmade clothing also play an important role in the offerings and displays. The knowledge and skills related to the festivity are passed down within families, through storytelling and participation. Young people learn from their parents and through catechism classes, while schools help to pass on the tradition by involving students in cultural performances. Dancers, musicians and craftspeople also help keep the practices alive. The festivity strengthens community ties while promoting cooperation and cultural pride.
R.3: The formulation of safeguarding measures is based on a technical, legal and administrative framework designed to support actions at the municipal, departmental and national levels. In order to preserve collective memory, the elements and objectives that are part of the festival, as well as the procedures for inventorying and registering the associated elements, have been adopted by the competent institutions. Finally, the dissemination of the festival and its integration into the educational system for the training of young people contribute to the safeguarding of the element.
R.4: The nomination file demonstrates broad and active participation from a wide range of community representatives, religious groups and local government entities. Free, prior and informed consent is well-documented, with written and oral evidence provided.
- 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.2: The submitting State Party demonstrates that the inscription of the element would ensure the visibility and raise awareness of intangible cultural heritage, encourage dialogue that respects cultural diversity, and promote human creativity. In addition, the nomination file provides a broad and affirmative demonstration of the element’s relevance to sustainable development, as it promotes the peaceful coexistence and social cohesion of various groups and gender and generational equality, which is promoted by schools, as well as generating economic resources that can reach diverse groups and actors.
R.5: The element is included in the inventory of intangible cultural heritage. The inventory is managed by the Ministry of Cultures, Decolonisation, and Depatriarchalization, which is responsible for its regular updating (the latest update being in 2024), with the participation of the communities concerned. There are also inventory records in the National Archive and Library of Bolivia, as well as in the Biblioteca of the Archdiocese of Sucre.
- Decides to inscribe Festivity of the Virgen of Guadalupe – Patroness of Sucre on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.