Greece Expands Intangible Cultural Heritage Index with 12 New Customs

Greece has expanded its National Index of Intangible Cultural Heritage with twelve new customs and one recognized best practice, highlighting its wine-making heritage, distinctive poetic expression and vibrant local rituals.

The Greek Ministry of Culture added the new customs to the index to safeguard these traditions and pass them on to younger generations, recognizing the strong ties between communities and their local history and identity.

“Each element we record reflects the rich diversity of our intangible cultural heritage, as well as the skills, imagination, and collective memory of our people,” Culture Minister Lina Mendoni said.

Local traditions across Greece gain national recognition

The latest additions showcase the geographic and cultural breadth of Greece’s living heritage, spanning wine-making, festive rituals, craftsmanship, music and oral poetry.

The new inscriptions include:

– Liastos Malvasia wine of Monemvasia, Crete and Paros — a historic sweet wine made from sun-dried grapes, dating back to the 12th century and revived in recent decades through traditional cultivation and winemaking techniques;
– AgioVasilitika Karavakia of Chios — a New Year’s Eve boat-building competition where neighborhood teams present handcrafted ship replicas in tribute to the island’s deep maritime tradition;
– Keskeki of Melissia — a communal culinary custom of Asia Minor origin, prepared overnight in large cauldrons on the eve of Saint George’s feast and shared as a symbol of memory, unity and continuity;
– Rodavgi pancakes of Arta — a local delicacy associated with festivals, weddings and social gatherings, reflecting the role of food in community life;
– The decoration and Epitaph procession of Arta — a Holy Week tradition that brings together all city parishes in a solemn Good Friday gathering, highlighting the area’s strong Byzantine identity;

– “Kales and Bramdes” of Skopelos — a Carnival custom featuring a humorous reenactment of a traditional wedding procession, blending satire, music and broad community participation;
– The Cretan mantinada — the island’s improvised, rhyming two-line poetic form that captures emotion, landscape and social commentary, passed down orally through generations;
– The art of the traditional violin — a defining element of Greek folk and urban popular music since the 19th century, with distinct regional styles across the country;
– The Andromana Dance of Deskati, Grevena — performed during post-Easter celebrations and culminating in a human pyramid formation marking the festive farewell to Easter;
– Kopanelli lace-making of Salamina — a centuries-old bobbin lace technique still practiced today, producing intricate decorative and costume elements;
– The “Trata” Carnival custom of Skopelos — a satirical maritime-themed procession inspired by the island’s shipbuilding and seafaring heritage; and
– The Lazarus carols of Krinitsa, Trikala — sung by young girls on Lazarus Saturday as part of a spring ritual centered on community, renewal and tradition.

Community-led best practice from Lemnos

Alongside the twelve newly inscribed customs, the ministry also recognized a best practice from the island of Lemnos.

The initiative focuses on safeguarding and sustainably promoting the island’s intangible cultural and agri-food heritage through documentation, educational programs and digital tools, while also supporting local producers and linking culture with rural development.

By combining community participation with sustainable economic activity, the initiative offers a model that could be replicated in other regions across Greece.

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