In line with paragraph 33 of the Operational Directives and under its Decision 19.COM 15, the Committee set the total number of files for the 2026 and 2027 cycles at no more than sixty per cycle. When establishing the list of files to be treated, the requirement mentioned above is combined with the level of priorities stated in paragraph 34 of the Operational Directives: 

  • (0) files from States which had no file treated during the preceding cycle;
  • (i) files from States having no elements inscribed, best safeguarding practices selected, and nominations to the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding;
  • (ii) multi-national files; and
  • (iii) files from States with the fewest elements inscribed and best safeguarding practices selected, in comparison with other submitting States during the same cycle.

Decision 19.COM 15 specified that within multinational files, priority be given to (a) multinational files that could not be treated in the previous cycle; (b) multinational files with at least one submitting State that has no element inscribed (excluding inscriptions via multinational nominations) and no other file included in the same cycle; (c) multinational files with the fewest elements inscribed (excluding inscriptions via multinational nominations) per submitting State concerned, taking note that groups including the same submitting States who have submitted more than one multinational file in a given cycle may be requested to choose which of their multinational files should be considered. In addition, in line with Decision 19.COM 15, for the 2026 and 2027 cycles, requests for the transfer of elements from one List to another, the inclusion in the Register of Good Safeguarding Practices of the successful safeguarding experience resulting from a transfer from the Urgent Safeguarding List to the Representative List, proposals for the Register of Good Safeguarding Practices from States Parties whose transfer requests were examined by the nineteenth session of the Committee (2024 cycle) or the twentieth session of the Committee (2025 cycle) and requests for inscriptions on an extended or reduced basis will be treated outside the annual ceiling.

The following files were initially included in the 2026 cycle to be examined at the twenty-first session of the Committee in November / December 2026:

  • 47 files under priority (0),
  • 5 files under priority (i), including three files for the Urgent Safeguarding List and two files from States with no inscribed element,
  • 12 multinational files under priority (ii),
  • 6 nominations on an extended basis,
  • 1 transfer request from the Urgent Safeguarding List to the Representative List.
  • Total: 71 files

During the completeness check phase of the nomination process, several files (indicated with *) were considered technically incomplete and subsequently returned to the submitting States Parties concerned.

Countries Submitted files Level of priority
1 Algeria RL L’art d’ornementation architectonique en zellidje, céramique émaillée: savoirs et savoir-faire associés (02280) Priority (0) for 2025-2026
2 Angola RL Semba: music and dance in Angola (02420) Priority (0) for 2025-2026
3 Armenia RL Tradition of winemaking in the Areni community (02405) Priority (0) for 2025-2026
4 Azerbaijan, Türkiye RL Artisanal knowledge and cultural practices of Pakhlava/Baklava (02411) Priority (0) for 2025-2026 (Azerbaijan)
5 Bahrain RL Bahraini Ardha (02410) Priority (0) for 2025-2026
6 Bosnia and Herzegovina RL The Nevesinje Olympics: traditional sport games (02250) Priority (0) for 2025-2026
7 Brazil RL Musicality, devotional practices and artistic-ritual performances of the Maracatu Nação in Pernambuco, Brazil (02445) Priority (0) for 2025-2026
8 Brunei Darussalam RL Ambulong to Ambuyat: processing techniques and associated culinary practices in Brunei Darussalam (02398) Priority (0) for 2025-2026
9 Cambodia RL Traditional Khmer wedding (02325) Priority (0) for 2025-2026
10 Cameroon RL Achu: an expression of the traditional culinary art of Cameroon (02428) Priority (0) for 2025-2026
11 China RL Chinese cuisine: knowledge and practices of the Chinese people regarding the preparation and enjoyment of food (02444) Priority (0) for 2025-2026
12 Colombia RL Artisanal fishing knowledge and techniques in the Magdalena river (02239) Priority (0) for 2025-2026
13 Congo RL Kiebe-Kiebe, danse initiatique du Congo-Brazzaville (02453) Priority (0) for 2025-2026
14 Costa Rica RL Festivities in honor of the Holy Christ of Esquipulas in Santa Cruz de Guanacaste (02382) Priority (0) for 2025-2026
15 Democratic People’s Republic of Korea RL Taekwon-Do, traditional martial art in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (02266) Priority (0) for 2025-2026
16 Djibouti RL Le Madqa, système de règles de droit coutumier oral afar (02388) Priority (0) for 2025-2026
17 Estonia RL Mumming and masking in Estonia during St. Martin’s Day and St. Catherine’s Day (02380) Priority (0) for 2025-2026
18 Eswatini RL Marula Festival (02446) Priority (0) for 2025-2026
19 France RL Le Biou d’Arbois (02387) Priority (0) for 2025-2026
20 Greece RL Cycladic cheesemaking traditions: knowledge and techniques (02290) Priority (0) for 2025-2026
21 Guatemala RL Knowledge and practices in the preparation of traditional sauces from the Mayan cultures in Guatemala (02296) Priority (0) for 2025-2026
22 Hungary RL Pottery making tradition in Hungary (02121) Priority (0) for 2025-2026
23 Indonesia RL Culture of Tempe (01970) Priority (0) for 2025-2026
24 Japan RL Shodo, calligraphy in Japan (02263) Priority (0) for 2025-2026
25 Kazakhstan RL Salburyn, equestrian Festival with Tazy dogs and Burkyt birds (01904) Priority (0) for 2025-2026
26 Lao People’s Democratic Republic RL Larb (02409) Priority (0) for 2025-2026
27 Lesotho RL The knowledge, craft techniques and skill of making the Basotho hat / Moliea-Nyeoe (02450) Priority (0) for 2025-2026
28 Lithuania RL Vilnius Verbos Easter Palms (02436) Priority (0) for 2025-2026
29 Malawi RL Ukwengula Mabwese: the Nyakyusa tradition of extracting oil from palm fruits (02449) Priority (0) for 2025-2026
30 Malaysia RL Kelantanese shadow puppetry (02270) Priority (0) for 2025-2026
31 Mali RL Les pratiques et expressions culturelles liées au Bôgôlan, teinture traditionnelle au Mali (02403) Priority (0) for 2025-2026
32 Mauritania RL Techriha/Chriha : savoir-faire traditionnel du séchage du poisson (02242)* Priority (0) for 2025-2026
33 Mongolia USL Traditional knowledge associated with ethno-veterinary practice (02440) Priority (0) for 2025-2026
34 Myanmar RL Practice of Thanakha culture in Myanmar (02377) Priority (0) for 2025-2026
35 Nigeria RL Ito Ogbo Obosi cultural festival (01860)* Priority (0) for 2025-2026
36 North Macedonia USL Ethnoastronomy/old celestial map of the Macedonian people (02423) Priority (0) for 2025-2026
37 Oman RL Al Razha (01965) Priority (0) for 2025-2026
38 Republic of Korea RL Traditional knowledge and skills associated with the production of hanji and related cultural practices in the Republic of Korea (02264) Priority (0) for 2025-2026
39 Serbia RL Pirot kilim-making, the knowledge and skills of weaving (02421) Priority (0) for 2025-2026
40 South Sudan RL Yigga (02401) Priority (0) for 2025-2026
41 Spain RL The Jota, a traditional music and dance genre (02238) Priority (0) for 2025-2026
42 State of Palestine RL Ka’ak Al-Quds, Jerusalem sesame bread (02277) Priority (0) for 2025-2026
43 Thailand RL Chud Thai: knowledge, craftsmanship and practices of the Thai national costume (02321) Priority (0) for 2025-2026
44 Uganda USL Initiation dances associated with Imbalu ceremonies (02412)* Priority (0) for 2025-2026
45 Lithuania, Poland, Ukraine RL Christmas Eve celebration in Lithuania, Poland and Ukraine (02426) Priority (0) for 2025-2026 (Ukraine)
46 United Republic of Tanzania RL Singeli music of Tanzania (02424) Priority (0) for 2025-2026
47 Zambia RL Siyomboka dance of the Lozi people of Barotseland in Zambia (01963) Priority (0) for 2025-2026
48 Barbados RL Road tennis, a traditional sport in Barbados (02295) (i) no element inscribed
49 Qatar RL Al Ardha, Qatari traditional dance (02234) (i) no element inscribed
50 Mozambique USL Lamellophones in Mozambique (Mbira/Santse/Kalimba/Chityatya) (01995)* (i) nomination for USL
51 Spain, Morocco USL Sparterie : connaissances, savoir-faire et pratiques (02439) (i) nomination for USL
52 Viet Nam USL Mo Muong (02330) (i) nomination for USL
53 Armenia, Iran (Islamic Republic of) RL The tradition of honoring water and rain, Tirgān/Vardavar (02333) (ii) multinational nomination that could not be treated in the previous cycle
54 Azerbaijan, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Tajikistan, Türkiye, Uzbekistan RL Traditional felt making (02255) (ii) multinational nomination that could not be treated in the previous cycle
55 Belgium, Italy, Malta, Mexico, Spain RL The tradition of flower carpets and festive compositions with natural materials (02254) (ii) multinational nomination that could not be treated in the previous cycle
56 Bulgaria, Türkiye, Romania RL Traditional techniques of yogurt making and related social practices (02285) (ii) multinational nomination that could not be treated in the previous cycle
57 Guatemala, Panama RL Pilgrimage to the Black Christ of Esquipulas and its cultural manifestations (Guatemala)/Pilgrimage and manifestations of the Festivity of the Holy Christ of Esquipulas (Panama) (02252) (ii) multinational nomination that could not be treated in the previous cycle
58 Iraq, Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Mauritania, Morocco, Oman, State of Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia; Sudan, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, Yemen RL Oud instrument: practices, skills and performing arts (02245) (ii) multinational nomination that could not be treated in the previous cycle
59 Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan RL Embroidery art: Kashtachilik san’ati / Kashidaduzi / Biz keste, bedel keste (02259) (ii) multinational nomination that could not be treated in the previous cycle
60 Morocco, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Mauritania, Tunisia, Iraq, Oman, Yemen, State of Palestine, Jordan, United Arab Emirates, Sudan RL Art et traditions de bâtir en terre (02258)* (ii) multinational nomination that could not be treated in the previous cycle
61 Poland, Austria, Luxembourg RL Saint Barbara’s celebrations and traditions of miners (02256) (ii) multinational nomination that could not be treated in the previous cycle
62 Uzbekistan, Tajikistan RL Traditional folk games of Uzbekistan and Tajikistan (01734)* (ii) multinational nomination that could not be treated in the previous cycle
63 Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Iran (Islamic Republic of) RL Traditions of baby cradling and singing lullabies (02257) (ii) multinational nomination that could not be treated in the previous cycle
64 United Arab Emirates, Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Mauritania, Morocco, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Syrian Arab Republic, Tunisia, Yemen RL Al Saafiyat and plant fibers: craft and social traditions (02282) (ii) multinational nomination that could not be treated in the previous cycle
Not treated under the 2026 cycle

65

Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Oman, State of Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Syrian Arab Republic, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates

RL

Arabian horses: breeding traditions and associated arts (02394)

(ii) multinational file with at least one submitting State that has no element inscribed (excluding inscriptions via multinational nominations) and no other file included in the same cycle

65

Indonesia, Suriname

RL

Hobby-horsing performance and rituals (02433)

(ii) multinational file with at least one submitting State that has no element inscribed (excluding inscriptions via multinational nominations) and no other file included in the same cycle

65

Qatar, Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Kuwait, Libya, Mauritania, Oman, State of Palestine, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, Yemen

RL

Al sanbouk sailing boat: the craft and social traditions (02395)

(ii) multinational file with at least one submitting State that has no element inscribed (excluding inscriptions via multinational nominations) and no other file included in the same cycle

65

Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Libya, Mauritania, State of Palestine, Qatar, Sudan, Syrian Arab Republic, United Arab Emirates, Yemen

RL

The Nabati Arabic poetry: an oral expressive art (02425)

(ii) multinational file with at least one submitting State that has no element inscribed (excluding inscriptions via multinational nominations) and no other file included in the same cycle

69

Sweden, Finland

RL

Torne River Dipnet Fishing, living heritage across the Swedish-Finnish border (02435)

(ii) multinational nomination

70

Malaysia, Singapore

RL

Chingay: a street parade that showcases multiculturalism, traditions and artistic displays of communities (02391)

(ii) multinational nomination

71

Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, Türkiye, Uzbekistan

RL

Alpamys Batyr, Alpamysh, Alpomish, Bamsy Beyrek, Bey Boyrek (02417)

(ii) multinational nomination

72

Croatia, France, Greece, Italy, Spain, Switzerland

RL

The art of lateen and al terzo sailing: knowledge and practices (02400)

(ii) multinational nomination

73

China, Malaysia

RL

Lion dance: performing arts and social practices using lion costumes and props (02441)

(ii) multinational nomination

74

Pakistan

1 national file submitted for 2026 cycle or earlier cycle

Priority (iii)

1 national element inscribed

74

Yemen

1 national file submitted for 2026 cycle or earlier cycle

Priority (iii)

1 national element inscribed

76

Cyprus

1 national file submitted for 2026 cycle or earlier cycle

Priority (iii)

2 national elements inscribed

76

Jordan

1 national file submitted for 2026 cycle or earlier cycle

Priority (iii)

2 national elements inscribed

78

Paraguay

1 national file submitted for 2026 cycle or earlier cycle

Priority (iii)

3 national elements inscribed

78

Poland

1 national file submitted for 2026 cycle or earlier cycle

Priority (iii)

3 national elements inscribed

80

Georgia

1 national file submitted for 2026 cycle or earlier cycle

Priority (iii)

4 national elements inscribed

80

Panama

1 national file submitted for 2026 cycle or earlier cycle

Priority (iii)

4 national elements inscribed

80

Tajikistan

1 national file submitted for 2026 cycle or earlier cycle

Priority (iii)

4 national elements inscribed

80

United Arab Emirates

1 national file submitted for 2026 cycle or earlier cycle

Priority (iii)

4 national elements inscribed

84

Bangladesh

2 national files submitted for 2026 cycle or earlier cycle

Priority (iii)

5 national elements inscribed

84

Belarus

1 national file submitted for 2026 cycle or earlier cycle

Priority (iii)

5 national elements inscribed

84

Philippines

1 national file submitted for 2026 cycle or earlier cycle

Priority (iii)

5 national elements inscribed

87

Bolivia (Plurinational State of)

3 national files submitted for 2026 cycle or earlier cycle

Priority (iii)

8 national elements inscribed

87

Uzbekistan

1 national file submitted for 2026 cycle or earlier cycle

Priority (iii)

8 national elements inscribed

87

Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of)

2 national files submitted for 2026 cycle or earlier cycle

Priority (iii)

8 national elements inscribed

90

Iran (Islamic Republic of)

1 national file submitted for 2026 cycle or earlier cycle

Priority (iii)

12 national elements inscribed

91

Türkiye

2 national files submitted for 2026 cycle or earlier cycle

Priority (iii)

17 national elements inscribed

Requests outside annual ceiling

1

Albania, Andorra, Austria, Croatia, France, Greece, Italy, Luxembourg, Romania, Spain, Bulgaria, Poland, Serbia, Slovakia, Türkiye, Ukraine

Extension (RL)

Transhumance, the seasonal droving of livestock (02434)

2

Azerbaijan, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Türkiye, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan

Extension (RL)

Iftar/Eftari/Iftar/Iftor and its socio-cultural traditions (02431)*

3

Malaysia, Indonesia

Extension (RL)

Mak Yong Theatre (02432)

4

Niger, Burkina Faso, Mali

Extension (RL)

Pratiques et expressions de la parenté et de l’alliance à plaisanterie au Niger, au Mali et au Burkina Faso (02427)

5

United Arab Emirates, Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Mauritania, Morocco, Oman, State of Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Tunisia, Yemen, India

Extension (RL)

Henna: rituals, aesthetic and social practices (02447)

6

United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar

Extension (RL)

Harees dish: know-how, skills and practices (02399)

7

Brazil

Transfer from USL to RL

Yaokwa, the Enawene Nawe people’s ritual for the maintenance of social and cosmic order (02347)

States Parties requesting extension indicated in bold

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