Craft skills of Gauja beams are included in the list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO

The minister pointed out that tree rafting as a profession existed in many countries around the world. Although some elements of this ancient tradition have mostly survived, the communities continue to strengthen their ties with their ancestors and do their best to keep the rafting craft alive and pass it on to future generations.

“In the 21st century, it is still a combination of physical endurance, hard work, as well as knowledge – how to use nature’s power wisely for the benefit of man. UNESCO-wide recognition confirms the community as an essential actor in ensuring diversity and sustainability of intangible cultural heritage, which the State respects by continuing to develop the necessary support tools,” says Puntulis.

Highlighting the diversity of cultural traditions around the world and drawing attention to the need to preserve them, the 17th session of UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Committee for the Conservation of Intangible Cultural Heritage will be held from 27 November to 3 December in Rabat, the capital of Morocco.

The UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity was created to ensure greater visibility of the intangible cultural heritage and to broaden understanding of its importance, as well as to promote dialogue on cultural diversity. The list so far includes 640 values ​​from 140 countries of the world and this year the list will be supplemented with at least 35 more values.

The LNKC representative notes that in the 19th century, rafting was a favorite spring job of Vidzeme farmers, but in the 20th century, rafts were slowly being replaced in Gauja by the more profitable bulk timber flotation. In 1996, the tradition was revived with the beginning of an annual tying and floating of the rafts down the Gauja River to Strenči, where it ends with the Gauja Raft Festival, a special moment of welcoming the raft, the procession and the greeting of the Gauja rafts. In 2018, the craftsmanship of Gauja beams was included in the Latvian National List of Intangible Cultural Heritage.