March 2024, Wednesday 13th: Berlin Techno has officially been added to intangible cultural heritage list. This was declared by UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, regarding a candidacy that had been proposed some years ago, primarily by the non-profit association Rave The Planet. Alongside techno, joining this esteemed Teutonic assembly are Saxony mountaineering, the Finsterwalde singing tradition, the Kirchseeon Perchtenlauf, Schwalm white embroidery, and Viez apple cider.
“The new inclusions not only illustrate the regional diversity and wide thematic range of culture lived in Germany, but also represent an expanded cultural concept that opposes the ridiculous separation between high culture and popular culture – State Minister for Culture Claudia Benedikta Roth said – For over 30 years, techno has been an important reference for many people coming to Berlin from all over Europe and the world. Berlin’s techno culture has long represented values such as diversity, respect, and openness to the world. Whether it’s subculture or traditional craftsmanship, all of this is part of the cultural richness of our country, as demonstrated by the new entries in the Intangible Cultural Heritage list”.
From now on, the role of Berlin and techno on a global scale is even more significant, demonstrating once again how electronic music is a universal language capable of bringing people together like few other factors in the world. This is a condition that techno had already earned in Germany for years, thanks to events like the Love Parade and absolute cult venues like Berghain. Raise the glasses – or beer steins, to each their own – to this wonderful news coming from UNESCO. A very good news for african and afroamerican djs and producer, so important for techno history and movement, born and raised in Detroit.
