Albania has been able to preserve and transmit its rich cultural heritage over generations, maintaining its very essence throughout the dynamics of social developments.

A vital role in preserving and transmission of our spiritual culture – traditions, crafts, songs, dances, traditional melodies, legends, traditional games, traditional cuisine, rituals, and knowledge of nature – is played by our grandparents, parents, youth, and children who carry on the culture, language, and customs. The community members are the originators, preservers, and re-creators of spiritual cultural heritage and hence, the authors of the National Inventory for Intangible Cultural Heritage.  

The Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage was created pursuant to the Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, Paris 2003, as well as domestic legislation in the realm of cultural heritage. It was accomplished under the auspices of the UNESCO International Fund and the Ministry of Culture.

This inventory encompasses more than 90 elements from three country regions: Shkodra, Gjirokastra, and Korça. The ICH elements are selected and documented by community representatives/members with the support of cultural, public, and private institutions. The inventory comprises six main categories: traditional crafts, language, customs and oral tradition, performance arts – music and dance, traditional dishes, social practices, rituals and festivities, nature-related knowledge, and practices.

The Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage is introduced for the first time ever in an online format. This open data platform shall be an open/standing invitation to anyone opting to contribute to the enrichment of already inventoried elements or to the addition of new elements. The content of this page is administered and maintained by the Ministry of Culture of Albania.

Join us in documenting and promoting our intangible cultural heritage by adding new elements to this register. Let’s work together to preserve this legacy, by ensuring that it is passed on to future generations.