Decision of the Intergovernmental Committee: 4.COM 13.62

The Committee,

  1. Takes note that Mexico has nominated Ritual ceremony of the Voladores for inscription on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, described as follows:


  1. Decides that, from the information provided in Nomination File 00175, Ritual ceremony of the Voladores satisfies the criteria for inscription on the Representative List, as follows:

R.1:   Ritual ceremony of the Voladores has been transmitted from generation to generation and constantly recreated by the communities concerned in response to their interaction with nature and the universe;

R.2:   Inscription of the element on the Representative List would contribute to fostering understanding of and respect for cultural diversity, stimulate dialogue among stakeholders, and enhance visibility and awareness of the importance of intangible cultural heritage;

R.3:   Several factors threatening the viability of the element are identified and a set of safeguarding measures such as establishment of the School for Volador Children are described, supported by demonstrations of the commitment of governmental authorities as well as the communities concerned;

R.4:   The Voladores themselves, along with other civil and public institutes, were widely involved in the nomination process either individually or through their associations, and their free, prior and informed consent is provided;

R.5:   The element is inscribed in the Intangible Cultural Heritage Inventory of Mexico maintained by the National Council for Culture and the Arts.

  1. Inscribes Ritual ceremony of the Voladores on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.