The Slovene traditions of Lipizzaner breeding and beekeeping make the UNESCO list

After the Slovene traditions of The Škofja Loka Passion Play , door-to-door rounds of kurenti (Shrovetide figures), bobbin lacemaking from Idrija, and the art of dry stone walling – Slovene beekeeping and the breeding of Lipizzaner horses received recognition!

Last week, they were added to the UNESCO list of intangible cultural heritage. It is a heritage that is passed down from generation to generation through cultural tradition.

The nomination for both was led by the Slovene Ministry of Culture.

Bees and beekeeping must be given special attention in times of climate change. Traditional beekeeping, which is a way of life in harmony with nature, must be nurtured in particular.

Asta Vrečko, Minister of Culture

As many as 12,000 people are engaged in beekeeping in Slovenia.

Slovenia has committed itself to continue creating the conditions for its development.

In registering the tradition of breeding Lipizzaner, the country also cooperated with others: Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Italy, Austria, Hungary, Romania, and Slovakia.

Now they plan to preserve this heritage together.

The Lipica stud farm is considered the oldest in Europe. How do they view this recognition?

“The UNESCO list did not include the horses or the town of Lipica, but rather the work of all the people who have been working with horses in the same way for more than 400 years in eight different countries,” explains Aaron Uazea from the Lipica stud farm.

UNESCO protected the work of the blacksmith who shoes the horses, the work of the veterinarians who take care of them, the work of the horsemen and stablemen who clean the horses and stables every day, and the work of charioteers and horsemen, he adds.

We can say that we have protected everything that is intangible in Lipica, but it is very important that the horse is from Lipica – and that Lipica, as a place, is what it is today!

Aaron Uazea

And what else would our country like to place on the UNESCO list?

In cooperation with Germany, efforts are being made to register midwifery. We expect a decision next year.

Glossary

Dry stone is a masonry technique, also known as drystack or drystane, that does not use mortar to bind the stones.

Midwifery is the profession or practice of assisting women in childbirth.

For reflection

1. When do we celebrate World Bee Day?
2. What color are Lipizzaner foals when they are born?
3. Which Slovene traditions have already been recognized by UNESCO in the past?

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The original version of this article was published on December 6^th.