Addis Ababa, Dec. 1 — The United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) declared on Thursday the Mexican charrería, a traditional horseback practice in communities dedicated to the breeding and grazing cattle, as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

The decision was made by the Intergovernmental Committee during its annual meeting in Addis Ababa, deeming this traditional practice an important element of Mexico’s identity and cultural heritage.

UNESCO added that charrería represents for these communities a means of transmitting important social values to new generations.

In addition to being a traditional grazing practice for Mexican cattle-raising communities, charrería is also considered a national sport, and one of the historical and cultural riches of the country.

Following the UNESCO decision, the Mexican ambassador to Ethiopia offered his thanks for this international recognition, and said his government will implement a plan to safeguard this tradition. EFE