Guadalupe Festivals As Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) refers to the practices, expressions, knowledge, and skills that communities, groups, or individuals recognize as part of their cultural identity and living heritage. Unlike tangible heritage (such as historic buildings or monuments), ICH is intangible and is passed down from generation to generation.

According to UNESCO, which leads the protection of this type of heritage, ICH includes five main areas:

1. Oral traditions and expressions: Such as stories, legends, poetry, and traditional forms of communication.
   
   
2. Performing arts: Music, dance, theater, and other forms of artistic representation.
   
   
3. Social practices, rituals, and festive events: Religious celebrations, popular festivals, and community traditions (such as the Guadalupe Festivals in Puerto Vallarta).
   
   
4. Knowledge and uses related to nature and the universe: Ancestral knowledge about medicinal plants, astrology, and sustainable practices.
   
   
5. Traditional artisan techniques: Traditional methods of crafting objects and crafts.

ICH is essential because it strengthens cultural identity, fosters respect for diversity, and promotes sustainable development. Its preservation allows traditions to live and evolve, adapting to modern times without losing their essence.

In the case of the Fiestas Guadalupanas in Puerto Vallarta, recognition as Intangible Cultural Heritage ensures their protection, promotion, and continuity, allowing the local community to keep a deeply rooted tradition alive.

The Municipal Government of Puerto Vallarta, through the Instituto Vallartense de Cultura, is working in collaboration with Dr. Gabriela Andrea Scartascini Spadaro to develop the management guide for the declaration of the Fiestas Guadalupanas in Puerto Vallarta as Intangible Cultural Heritage. This centuries-old celebration is a fundamental part of Vallarta's identity, reflecting the unity and participation of the entire community. Every year, streets, the boardwalk, and public spaces are filled with fervor with traditional pilgrimages organized by institutions, businesses, schools, associations, and residents.

This collaboration between the Municipal Government of Puerto Vallarta, the Vallarta Institute of Culture, and Dr. Gabriela Andrea Scartascini Spadaro is a fundamental step toward preserving, promoting, and recognizing the cultural value of the Guadalupe Festival.

For the people of Vallarta and the Guadalupe culture, this declaration as Intangible Cultural Heritage has a profound impact:

1. Cultural Rescue and Preservation: It implies formal recognition of the festivals as a cultural legacy that must be protected and kept alive for future generations. This helps prevent traditions from being diluted over time.
   
   
2. Strengthening the Vallarta Identity: These festivals not only represent an act of faith and devotion to the Virgin of Guadalupe, but also reflect the history, values, and warm, festive nature of the Vallarta people. Recognition boosts local pride and fosters a sense of belonging.
   
   
3. Boosting Cultural Tourism: A declaration of this kind puts Puerto Vallarta on the map not only as a beach destination, but also as a center of cultural wealth and traditions. This attracts tourists interested in religious and cultural tourism, benefiting the local economy.
   
   
4. Unity and Community Participation: Pilgrimages and celebrations bring together families, schools, associations, and businesses, strengthening social ties and promoting a sense of community.
   
   
5. Recognition and Respect for Popular Devotion: The Virgin of Guadalupe holds profound spiritual significance for millions of Mexicans and Latin Americans. This recognition reaffirms the respect for the faith and popular devotion manifested in Puerto Vallarta every December.
   
   
6. Commitment to Intangible Heritage: Developing a management guide for these festivities involves establishing measures to protect and promote this tradition, ensuring that future generations can continue to enjoy and participate in the celebration.

This declaration not only honors a centuries-old tradition but also strengthens Puerto Vallarta's cultural identity, promotes tourism, and fosters social cohesion. It is a tribute to the spirituality, culture, and heritage of Puerto Vallarta.