The UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage approved the inclusion of the Family Tradition Circus in Chile on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, during its 20th session held in New Delhi. This is a historic milestone for this practice, which has been around for more than two centuries in the country. The nomination was submitted by the Chilean delegation together with representatives of the circus communities.
“This global recognition highlights a popular heritage of our country that dates back more than 200 years. From today, this practice is a tradition that belongs not only to Chileans, but to the whole world. The exceptional universal characteristics of the circus were recognized, reinforcing the role of the State in contributing to and promoting the necessary processes for its safeguarding and continued transmission so that citizens and future generations may learn about its historical importance," explained Undersecretary of Cultural Heritage Carolina Pérez Dattari, who led the delegation in India.
Two centuries of history and cultural identity
UNESCO's decision is the result of a long-term collaborative process between the Chilean government, circus families, industry organizations, academia, and civil society. This nomination reflects a model of participatory public policy that recognizes the country's cultural diversity and the central role of the communities that preserve this living heritage.
The Committee particularly valued the social and community nature of the family circus, its unique itinerant lifestyle, and the intergenerational transmission of circus skills, elements that strengthen identity, a sense of belonging, and the inclusion of people of all ages, genders, and cultural identities.
The renowned artist Joaquín Gastón Maluenda, "Tachuela Grande," part of the delegation, dedicated this recognition to "those who are in heaven" and emphasized that it is "a tribute to all those who have passed away over decades and decades of work and passion, to all the heroic circus performers who have made our circus 200 years old."
Learn more about this recognition on the National Cultural Heritage Service website.
