Grenada’s beloved carnival tradition, Shakespeare Mas, has officially been inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) of Humanity.
This historic recognition was made during the 19th Session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of ICH, held in Asunción, Paraguay, from 2–7 December 2024. The inclusion of Shakespeare Mas underscores a major achievement in promoting and safeguarding Grenada’s rich cultural heritage on the world stage.
Originating in Carriacou, the Shakespeare Mas is a unique carnival tradition that reflects resilience and creativity, particularly in the wake of Hurricane Beryl’s destructive impact on the island in July 2024. Dr John Angus Martin, Grenada’s representative at the ICH meeting, expressed his pride over the achievement, stating, “The inscription of Shakespeare Mas today will give its players the zeal to go on and inspire the people of Carriacou to dry off their hurricane-soaked Shakespeare Mas costumes and take to the streets come next carnival.”
This inscription represents a key milestone for Grenada, highlighting the critical need to preserve living heritage in the face of modern challenges such as climate change, disaster and globalisation. Shakespeare Mas is Grenada’s second element to be added to the UNESCO ICH Representative List, following last year’s inscription of Traditional wooden boatbuilding in Carriacou and Petite Martinique.
Barbados, a member of the Intergovernmental Committee for the 2003 UNESCO Convention was led by its ambassador to Paraguay, Her Excellency Ambassador Tonika Sealy-Thompson. She emphasised the global and regional significance of safeguarding ICH. “Defending Caribbean living heritage is a matter of pride and necessity,” she stated. “By safeguarding these traditions, we preserve the soul of our communities and ensure that our cultural identity thrives in the face of external pressures.”
Dr Tara Inniss, Chair of the Barbados ICH National Committee and Barbados delegate, stressed the strategic importance of ICH in fostering resilience, particularly for Small Island Developing States (SIDS) like Grenada and Barbados. The Caribbean’s vibrant cultural traditions are vital for fostering community resilience, particularly as we confront the existential threat of climate change. She remarked. “As we have seen in both islands after Hurricane Beryl, safeguarding ICH is a matter of survival. The session also addressed urgent global issues, including gender equality, climate change, and food security, all of which are closely connected to the safeguarding of intangible cultural heritage.”
The meeting in Asunción, Paraguay also saw the inscription of Jamaica’s Pilgrimage to Watt Town along with cultural practices from other Caribbean nations, including Cuba, the Dominican Republic, and Haiti. In total, 63 cultural elements were inscribed on the UNESCO ICH Lists during the session.
The next Intergovernmental Committee meeting will take place in New Delhi, India, in December 2025.
Dr Tara Inniss, Chair of the Barbados ICH National Committee
