Berlin techno recognized as cultural heritage by UNESCO

This recognition underscores the city’s techno community’s significance and the need to support club culture.

Photo Credit: Claudio Schwarz on Unsplash

Impulsed by the Rave The Planet organization led by Dr.Motte, UNESCO has included Berlin’s techno scene in its list of Germany’s intangible cultural heritage, underscoring the need to preserve diverse cultural traditions.

The announcement was made last Wednesday, confirming global recognition for Berlin’s dynamic techno scene, despite current challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Lutz Leichsenring, a board member of Berlin’s ClubCommission, hailed this recognition as a major win for the city’s techno community. The ClubCommission actively promotes the preservation of Berlin’s unique club culture. Leichsenring emphasized that UNESCO’s decision highlights the need to protect and support club culture.

UNESCO’s designation of intangible cultural heritage includes cultural expressions like music, dance, theatre, practices, rituals, and skills that evolve over generations.

The German UNESCO Commission announced the new entries, bringing the total to 150. Other additions include the Finsterwalde singing tradition, the ‘Kirchseeon Perchtenlauf’ winter parade, ‘Schwälmer Weißstickerei’ tapestry style, apple cider Viez, and Saxony mountaineering.

Both Federal Commissioner for Culture and the Media, Claudia Roth, and German UNESCO Commission Vice President, Christoph Wulf, stated that subcultures and traditional craftsmanship contribute to the nation’s cultural wealth and promote unity.