Hanoi (VNA) – UNESCO has inscribed Myanmar's traditional Thingyan Festival and Nigeria's Eid Festival on its Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
The decision was made during the 19th session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage, held in Paraguay from December 2-7.
The Thingyan Festival, celebrated as one of the world’s oldest water festivals, is among Myanmar's largest traditional events. Participants splash water on one another, symbolising the cleansing of misfortune and welcoming good luck for the New Year, similar to water festivals in Laos, Cambodia, and Thailand. UNESCO’s recognition aims to preserve the festival’s cultural legacy, promote global appreciation, and ensure its transmission to future generations.
Meanwhile, the Eid Festival in northern Nigeria features vibrant parades of horse-riding knights celebrating two major Islamic holidays, Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha.
Dating back to the 15th century, the parade, led by a religious leader and involving 10,000 horsemen accompanied by musicians, takes place in Kano, northern Nigeria's largest city.
The recognition underscores the importance of preserving and celebrating cultural diversity and traditions worldwide./.
