TIRANA, Dec 4 /ATA/ – The Tropoja drum dance, known as “Kcimi i Tropojës,” has been formally inscribed on the UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, the Minister of Economy, Culture and Innovation Blendi Gonxhja said on Tuesday.

Gonxhja said that the decision was made after a positive assessment by the UNESCO’s advisory body (NGO) for intangible heritage during the nineteenth session of the Intergovernmental Committee in Asuncion, Paraguay.

“Tropoja folk dance, ‘K’cimi i Tropojës’, is another Albanian unique element inscribed on the UNESCO list that promotes richness of Albania’s cultural heritage in the international arena,” the Minister of Economy, Culture and Innovation said.

“Kcimi i Tropojës,” is an ancient dance form distinctive to the Tropoja region in northern Albania. Renowned for its expressive movements and unique choreography, it is a cherished part of the region’s cultural heritage. The dance features performing art elements, oral traditions, rituals and festive events. Over the years, this tradition has remained a symbol of identity and unity among local residents of Tropoja and Gjakova Highland.

This is a dance performed at every popular community holiday, opening parties, wedding parties, local festivals and concerts.

The locals call it “kcim”, which in the Northern Albanian dialect means “to jump”. The early origin of this dance can be evidenced by the rhythmic-musical accompaniment.

Tropoja drum mountain dance is divided into many typologies, such as: Girls dance, boys dance, boy and girl dance, old man and bride dance, old women dance, children dance, bride dance, women dance, men epic dance, etc. This typology of intangible cultural heritage is very well known and inherited from generation to generation for hundreds of years.