Traditions Uri government wants to propose "blasting" as a cultural heritage site
The cantonal government of Uri wants to advocate for the inclusion of the "Strahlens" in the list of intangible cultural heritage of Switzerland. The aim is to honor this tradition and keep it alive.
24.06.2025, 09:39
SDA
Few traditions have been associated with the canton of Uri for as long as the search for minerals and crystals, the Uri State Chancellery announced on Tuesday.
"The 'blasting' has been cultivated in Uri for thousands of years, as we know from the finds in the Stremlücke", said Georg Simmen (FDP), Director of Education and Culture. Preserved objects such as tools were found there that provide evidence of "blasting" in the Mesolithic period, a good 10,000 years ago.
Today, numerous traditions and events are linked to "blasting". It is primarily practiced in leisure time or as a sideline.
Cooperation with mountain cantons sought
Over the next two years, the canton of Uri intends to press ahead with the inclusion of "blasting" in the list of "Living Traditions" of Switzerland's intangible cultural heritage. The aim is to cooperate with other mountain cantons. The canton of Valais already pledged its support last September.
Switzerland has been on the list since 2012, having committed to it by ratifying a convention of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (Unesco). The list is to be updated and supplemented every five years, most recently in 2023.
The Federal Office of Culture coordinates the inventory of traditions. The cantons can make suggestions for new entries. A committee in which the cantons, the federal government and experts are represented selects the entries.
The canton of Uri is represented in the list with 19 customs. However, only the "Woldmanndli" is a custom that is practiced exclusively in the canton of Uri.
The 228 "Living Traditions" listed include the Basel carnival, "Köhlern" in the Lucerne Entlebuch and the Zurich Knabenschiessen.
