THE TOCATÌ METHODOLOGY FOR INVENTORYING TRADITIONAL GAMES AND SPORTS AS ICH ELEMENTS
Valentina Lapiccirella Zingari and Pere Lavega
SIMBDEA / ITALY AND AEJEST / SPAIN
How can Traditional Games and Sports (TGS) be recognized, documented, and strengthened as living community-based heritage? The Tocatì methodology offers a powerful, participatory approach.
Main Points
Making TGS visible and adding value as social, community-based practices
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Normative framework: regional inventory & web platform (www.intangiblesearch.eu), national institution and platform
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Community-based coordination of the inventory process led by Associazione Giochi Antichi (AGA)
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Strengthening the existing thematic network of practitioners and generating new connections across communities, administrations, schools, universities, tourism, and policy sectors
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Recognizing TGS as ICH elements in cultural contexts and landscapes — including rituals, crafts, oral traditions, music, and food practices linked to seasonal cycles
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Producing diverse outputs: cultural maps, inventory entries, photos, audiovisual stories, short films, exhibitions, public presentations, and community events
Recommendations
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Create spaces for sharing safeguarding needs and perspectives — take time to listen
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Engage mediators and researchers trained in ICH methodologies — action research in a transformative approach
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Support heritage-sensitive documentation and communication, including community storytelling and visual identity
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Encourage community empowerment and creativity through local initiatives and network-based support
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Involve policy-makers and institutions — ICH governance matters
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Co-design long-term safeguarding measures with communities — awareness raising as an ongoing process
Challenges
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Time dedicated to community expression and needs
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Conflict management
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Ensuring continuity in inventorying, networking, and safeguarding processes
A methodology that places communities, relationships, and lived heritage at the center of safeguarding.
