Cultural heritage in Ecuador is vulnerable, says Gabriela Eljuri, the Ministry of Culture’s subsecretary on the subject.

In 2008, after a series of studies, the government declared the intangible heritage of Ecuador’s traditional practices and knowledge to be in a state of emergency.

As a result, the Ministry of Culture’s subsecretariat of heritage has established a National Cultural Heritage Contest, to recognize those who hold and transmit traditional knowledge.

Twelve winners will each receive a $4,000 prize. The criteria will be to have developed throughout their lives the abilities, skills and qualities that permit the continued existence of intangible heritage.

Eljuri says cultural heritage is threatened because younger generations prefer to seek the new instead of follow the customs of their parents. But traditional customs encourage diversity, identity, creativity and instill communal memory.

“The state has to support ways to encourage younger generations to value their traditions. And it’s also fair to recognize those who have dedicated themselves to safeguarding our identities.”
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The jury will select winners in five categories:

1. Traditions and human expressions (fables, myths, legends, local folk stories);
2. Art spectacle (dance, music, theatre, traditional games);
3. Social events (festival acts, pagan and religious celebrations, rituals);
4. Knowledge of nature (medicine, cooking, production)
5. Craft-making skills

Applications will be accepted until April 30. Winners will be announced May 15. More information and forms can be found at www.cultura.gob.ec

Original story