Slovenia is joining a festival of European heritage held in 48 countries with a series of events focusing on intangible heritage that will be launched across the country. The coastal town of Piran provided a venue for the start of events, which enabled the visitors to get to know the town's rich cultural heritage.
At a recent press conference outlining this year's European Heritage Days (EHD), ethnologist Janez Bogataj explained that the world definition of intangible heritage was fairly narrow, while Slovenia would offer a broader scope.
According to Bogataj, the "spiritual culture" comprises customs, beliefs, language, reading, fine arts from a functional perspective, music, dance, theatre, leisure, sources of knowledge, healing practices, the awareness of history and technical knowledge.
Special issues in intangible heritage also include indigenous ethnic groups and the heritage of Slovenians abroad, added Bogataj, one of the greatest connoisseur of Slovenian heritage.
Meanwhile, his colleague Zvezda Kozelj stressed that intangible heritage should be seen within the context of the modern cultural heritage system and a relevant UNESCO convention. She added this kind of heritage, as opposed to material, was very vulnerable and depended on its transfer mechanisms.
Given that the 2003 UNESCO intangible cultural heritage convention has not yet been translated into Slovenian and ratified, Kozelj expressed hope that this year's festival would encourage the Cultural Ministry to do so.
European Heritage Days were initiated by the Council of Europe in 1984 to bring people closer to their cultural heritage by throwing open the doors to historic monuments and buildings. They are held annually in September in 48 countries - signatories of the Council of Europe's European Cultural Convention.
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