Another month, new challenges and great ideas ahead!

iHERITAGE Project Partner, the University of Algarve is compiling a list of intangible heritage items for the enhancement of a socio-cultural experience through a digital environment as a follow-up to the Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) Focus Group Meeting, a bilateral gathering of project partners.

This list is structured using contents previously documented by the Algarve Museum Network, Algarve Imaterial's ICH working group, as well as existing types of ICH categories as described by the UNESCO Convention (oral traditions and expressions, including language as a vehicle of the intangible cultural heritage; performing arts; social practices, rituals and festive events; knowledge and practices concerning nature and the universe; traditional craftsmanship).

Despite its modest size, the Algarve's cultural range offers a significant diversity and plurality of concepts, practices, knowledge, and arts – fostering tolerance, peace, and sustainability while also mandating a strong and rich historical heritage in the Algarve's regional community and well-being. A few of these elements are:

• Pragas de Monte Gordo – Curses of Monte Gordo
• Festa de São Luís – Saint Louis Festival 
• Festa das Tochas Floridas – Festival of the Flowering Torches
• Pesca Tradicional no Rio Guadiana – Traditional Fishing Techniques in Guadiana River
• Abegão
• Caldeireiro
• Esparto
• Cadeira de Tesoura – Scissor Chair
• Bolo de Tacho – Pan Cake
• Trabalho em Pita
   

The ICH list will incorporate the prospects of the digitalisation of cultural routes and virtual storytelling in a mobile application. Previously presented as MARINADE, the application now comes forward with a new name: iHERITAGE – Mediterranean Diet. By downloading this app, the users will have the change to discover, in real time, fun facts, real-life testimonies and historical context of a particular geographical site, within the Algarve’s region.

Portugal is currently part of the iHERITAGE project, aiming to promote and enhance the Mediterranean UNESCO cultural heritage through innovative experiences by creating cross-border living labs for research and innovation.

The iHERITAGE project aims to support the technological transfer and commercialization of new Augmented and Virtual Reality tools to enhance access to Mediterranean UNESCO cultural heritage through augmented and immersive experiences by creating cross-border living labs for research and innovation. 

Represented by the University of Algarve, the focus of the Portuguese team is to promote the Mediterranean Diet and its importance for the cultural identity of the Mediterranean. The iHERITAGE ICT Mediterranean platform for UNESCO world heritage is a strategic project funded by the EU through the ENI CBC Mediterranean Sea Basin Programme.