ICH NGO Forum invites participation in the Third International Day of Intangible Cultural Heritage.
UNESCO has opened its call for participation in the third edition of the International Day of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, which will be marked on 17 October 2026. The organization is inviting States Parties, cultural institutions, communities, non-governmental organizations, category 2 centres, UNESCO Chairs, and other stakeholders of the 2003 Convention to take part by organizing events that highlight living heritage around the world.
According to the page published by UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage section, the goal of the day is to showcase the diversity and richness of living heritage while raising public awareness of the importance of safeguarding it.
How organizations can take part
UNESCO is asking participants to submit details of any activities planned during October 2026, which will then be published on a rolling basis on a dedicated activities webpage. Submissions can be made either through an online form or by downloading and completing a Word-format submission form, which must be returned by email to the ICH Secretariat, with a separate form required for each individual activity.
Non-governmental organizations are also warmly encouraged to join this global initiative and contribute their own events and activities to the celebration; for further details, interested parties can refer directly to the official UNESCO website.
Organizers wishing to use official branding can access a special commemorative logo created for the occasion. UNESCO has clarified that the logo is reserved strictly for events directly tied to the International Day and taking place in October 2026, cannot be used for commercial or financial gain, must not imply UNESCO’s endorsement, and cannot be altered from its original form.
Joining the online conversation
UNESCO is also encouraging institutions and the public to promote the day on social media using a set of official hashtags, including #LivingHeritage #PatrimonioVivo #PatrimoineVivant #intangibleheritage #patrimoineimmatériel #patrimonioculturalinmaterial #PCI #ICH, to connect celebrations happening across different countries and languages.
The International Day of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, now in its third year, forms part of UNESCO’s broader effort to protect traditions, practices, and knowledge passed down through generations, from oral traditions and performing arts to traditional craftsmanship.
