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Rabat – A UNESCO World Heritage Commission in Addis Ababa has acknowledged the Belgian beer culture and the Cuban rumba phenomenon with official registration.
Brussels succeeded in registering its Belgian beer culture as “intangible cultural heritage” in UNESCO’s World Heritage. The 1500 different types of beers that characterize Belgium are brewed in many cities, villages and towns around the country.
Beer “manufacturing and appreciation are part of the living heritage of several communities spread throughout Belgium,” argued Brussels. UNESCO, in turn, acknowledged that “this culture plays a role in their daily life and during festive events.”
UNESCO added that beer is not just a popular drink in Belgium. It is also “used by communities for cooking, producing products like beer-washed cheese and paired with food.”
According to the Guardian, Sven Gatz, former head of the Belgian Brewers Association and current minister for Flanders in the north of Belgium, asserted the following after the decision was announced:
“We love our beer and appreciate the endless diversity within it, something that can’t be equaled anywhere else in the world.” He added that “in Belgium, beer doesn’t have to give way to wine or other drinks in terms of quality and diversity.”
Cuba also had reason to celebrate with its rumba dance culture also being registered in UNESCO’s World Heritage as a “festive mixture of music and dances” that is a “symbol of a marginalized society in Cuba.” The rumba originated in poor communities and includes songs, movements, gestures and music, celebrated as a symbol of resistance, self-esteem and solidarity.
