Intangible cultural heritage should be considered as a progressive process of which the main characteristics are creative activities based on tradition. From this point on, in order to define programs presented by ensembles of traditional expression, it is necessary to specify at the same time contents and style of expression. In accordance with the definition of the Convention of Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of UNESCO, a program will be considered as representing traditional culture if its content comes from or is inspired by intangible cultural heritage, namely:
To serve the cause of traditional culture the ensembles choose a style and a way of expression. In accordance with its main activity, which is the organisation of festivals of traditional culture, CIOFF® wishes to define the styles of expression through song, music and dance as outlined below:
A program will be considered as representing authentic expression:
A program will be considered as representing elaborated expression:
A program will be considered as representing stylised expression:
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| CIOFF® Definitions of Traditional Programs on the stage |


