THE OBSERVANCE PROVIDES AN OPPORTUNITY TO SHOWCASE THE DIVERSITY AND RICHNESS OF LIVING HERITAGE.

Today, 17 October, 2024, Saint Lucia joins other State Parties and Stakeholders of the UNESCO 2023 Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) in the celebration of the first edition of the International Day of the Intangible Cultural Heritage.

International Day of the Intangible Cultural Heritage provides us an opportunity to showcase the diversity and richness of living heritage and to raise awareness of the importance of its safeguarding. Our cultural heritage and intangible heritage make an important contribution to the social and economic development of our people; therefore, the necessary action should be taken to ensure their protection.

This international day is very significant because it coincides with the celebration of one of our nation’s flower festivals, the Feast of St. Margaret Mary Alacocque, La Magwit, an ICH element, which is an important representation of our country’s rich cultural heritage.

The Saint Lucia National Commission for UNESCO would like to wish all Saint Lucians a Happy International Day of the Intangible Cultural Heritage and a Happy La Magwit Festival. Viv La Magwit!