Exploring 5 Endangered Cultural Heritage Practices Around the World

Introduction to Cultural Heritage

Culture is an essential part of every journey, whether it's visiting museums, exploring temples, or enjoying local performances. However, not all cultural activities are as sustainable as famous architectural landmarks; many are vanishing under the pressure of modernization.

Traditional customs, music, crafts, and dance are vital elements that express the identity of communities. They carry cultural values and connect people to their ancient heritage. Unfortunately, many of these traditional art forms are currently at risk of extinction.

Endangered Cultural Practices

Here are five living cultural heritages on UNESCO's urgent preservation list that you can learn about and support during your travels.

1. Lahuta, Albania

Albania has become an increasingly attractive destination in recent years, mainly due to its pristine beaches along the Adriatic coast. However, the rural areas remain quite untouched. Here, the last artisans playing the lahuta—a crucial part of Albanian culture and heritage—are slowly fading away.

The lahuta is a one-stringed instrument that produces a resonant sound used to accompany the singer, known as a lahutar. Its sound resonates within a bowl covered with animal skin, topped with the head of a goat, symbolizing its mountainous origins. This instrument is often used to accompany epic poetry like Këngë Kreshnike (Songs of the Warriors), which narrates tales of legendary heroes, supernatural beings, battles, and codes of honor.

Events such as the National Folk Festival in Gjirokastër are held every five years. If you get the chance, join this festival in 2028 to learn more about this important aspect of Albanian culture.

2. Reog Ponorogo Performing Arts, Indonesia

In East Java, the culture of Reog Ponorogo is also at risk of disappearing. This traditional performing art form from the Ponorogo community is used during weddings, festivals, and even to ward off bad luck and evil spirits. During performances, dancers don costumes of royal characters, warriors, and leaders to tell the story of the Bantarangin kingdom and its king.

A standout feature of the performance is the Dadak Merak mask, a gigantic mask resembling a tiger's head, representing the culture and pride of the Ponorogo community. To experience this unique culture, you can visit Ponorogo during the Grebeg Suro festival held at the beginning of the year.

3. Moliceiro Boats, Portugal

Once, moliceiro boats were vital to the lives of communities around Portugal's Aveiro lagoon. They were used to harvest moliço—a type of aquatic plant used as fertilizer. However, the introduction of cheap artificial fertilizers in the 1970s led to a decline in this boat-building craft.

Moliceiro boats are often decorated with vibrant paintings and participate in annual competitions. Today, while some boatyards are open to tourists to learn about this traditional craft, few people still pursue the building and use of moliceiro boats.

4. Landships, Barbados

Landships in Barbados are a unique form of cultural movement, not a craft but a community initiative. Members often hold “dock night” gatherings with music, dance, and British naval-style attire. This is not only a way to preserve culture but also to share and support community members in need.

Useful Information for Vietnamese Travelers

For those eager to explore these unique cultural heritages, planning ahead is crucial. Most cultural activities follow a set schedule, so it's wise to research festivals and events occurring during your visit. Additionally, if you plan to participate in performances or festivals, be prepared with appropriate attire and a mindset to engage with local culture.

When visiting Albania, Indonesia, or Portugal, travelers should familiarize themselves with visa and entry requirements for a smooth trip. Costs for participating in these cultural heritage activities may vary, but generally, attending festivals and traditional performances is affordable, and some may even be free of charge.

Don't forget to support local artisans and communities by purchasing handicrafts or joining experiential activities. This not only helps preserve culture but also allows you to have memorable experiences on your journey to explore global cultural identities.

Article adapted from: Wanderlust Magazine