National Inventory

The National Inventory of Living Heritage comprises 86 elements at present. It is a next step from the Wiki-inventory of Living Heritage.

Elements within the Wiki-inventory can be suggested for the National inventory of Living Heritage. There are a total of 108 elements in the Finnish National inventory of Living Heritage nominated by the Ministry of Education and Culture. The National inventory is based on the proposals by the Finnish Heritage Agency with the support of the Advisory group of intangible cultural heritage. Communities and organizations active in the field of intangible cultural heritage have also been commenting on the submissions. Articles in the National Inventory need to be updated every three years.

The National Inventory of Living Heritage covers a wide selection of fields within intangible cultural heritage from nearly all parts of Finland. The national inventory includes various festive traditions from different cultures in Finland. Another major category consists of diverse craft traditions. Additionally, the list features numerous nature-related practices that highlight intergenerational know-how. Performing arts, as well as music and dance, appear in the inventory as distinct categories. Culinary traditions, games and play, and oral traditions are also included.

The selection of an element into the National Inventory of Living Heritage is a recognition to the communities that work with the traditions. The National Inventory also brings more visibility to the elements.

Elements inscribed in the UNESCO’s intangible cultural heritage lists must be included in the National Inventory. This does not apply to the Register of Good Safeguarding Practices of UNESCO. The next application round in Finland for UNESCO will be held in the fall of 2026, focusing on good safeguarding practices.

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