Taranto Holy Week: proposal launched to apply for UNESCO recognition

Taranto Holy Week: proposal launched to apply for UNESCO recognition

Council group leader Massimiliano Stellato (Forza Italia) has submitted a motion to initiate the process for nominating the Holy Week rites of Taranto as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. The initiative emphasizes the cultural value of ceremonies that blend faith, history, artistic expression and strong community participation.

The proposal frames the nomination as a practical measure to protect traditions, reinforce the role of historical confraternities and ensure transmission to future generations, rather than merely seeking a prestigious label.

Aims and planned steps

• Regional inventory registration: begin the formal registration of the rituals in the Puglia Region's Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage as the initial administrative step.
• Involvement of confraternities: formally engage the local brotherhoods and associations that are the primary custodians of the Holy Week practices.
• Safeguarding plan: develop measures to preserve practices, know-how and the social functions of the celebrations, including training for younger participants.
• Mediterranean network: build partnerships with other Mediterranean communities with similar ritual traditions to create a stronger, transnational nomination.
• Cultural promotion: support cultural and communication activities to highlight the history and social importance of the ceremonies.

The motion requests that local and regional authorities undertake the necessary administrative steps. Next actions include council discussion of the motion, active engagement with local associations and preparation of the technical dossier required for a formal nomination.

If carried forward with broad community participation, the nomination could help protect a deeply rooted intangible heritage in Taranto and raise the city's profile as a center of religious and cultural traditions.