UN declares tango part of world cultural heritage | World News - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

UN declares tango part of world cultural heritage

AFP | By, Paris
Sep 30, 2009 02:57 PM IST

The United Nations has declared the sultry tango dance steps of Argentina and Uruguay part of the world's "intangible cultural heritage", UNESCO said.

The United Nations has declared the sultry tango dance steps of Argentina and Uruguay part of the world's "intangible cultural heritage", UNESCO said on Wednesday.

HT Image
HT Image

The United Nations cultural organisation is holding a meeting of 400 experts in the Gulf state of Abu Dhabi to agree on a list of world arts and traditions that should be safeguarded for humanity.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

Developed in working class city dancehalls in the cities of Buenos Aires and Montevideo, tango is a deep-rooted tradition of dance, poetry and singing that is seen worldwide as the symbol of Latin romantic passion.

Argentina and Uruguay jointly submitted the "symbolic universe" of tango for addition to UNESCO's list of cultural treasures. It was the first of 76 submissions examined and approved by the Abu Dhabi meeting.

Tango culture is intimately bound up with the history of the Rio de la Plata, which separates the two countries, and the melting pot of communities who settled in the river basin in the second half of the 19th century.

"Among this mix of European immigrants to the region, descendents of African slaves and the natives of the region known as criollos, a wide range of customs, beliefs and rituals were merged and transformed into a distinctive cultural identity," says a note on UNESCO's website.

"As one of the most recognizable embodiments of that identity, the music, dance and poetry of tango both embodies and encourages diversity and cultural dialogue."

Argentina's embassy in Abu Dhabi welcomed UNESCO decision's to declare "the deepest and most vibrant expression of Rio de la Plata" a global treasure.

"Tango conquered a long time ago a universal transcendance," it said in a statement.

Unlock a world of Benefits with HT! From insightful newsletters to real-time news alerts and a personalized news feed – it's all here, just a click away! - Login Now!

Get Latest World News along with Latest News from India at Hindustan Times.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Thursday, March 28, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On