PARIS (AP) — The Frevo, the frenetic musical tradition associated with Brazil's Carnival, has been designated by UNESCO as an intangible world heritage treasure.
The music and dance, common in the city of Recife, will now stand alongside the likes of the Argentine Tango and the French gastronomic meal under U.N. safeguarding.
A committee of the U.N. culture agency wrapped up an annual weeklong session Friday. It was tasked with designating for protection endangered elements of global culture — such as non-material rituals and traditions.
Other "intangible" treasures picked this year include the "Fest-Noz," the traditional dance from Brittany, France, and "Arirang," the Korean national folk song.
Irina Bokova, director-general of UNESCO, says "The concept of intangible heritage, poorly understood just a few years ago, has gained ground everywhere."
