A Belgian beer was also aded to the list of UNESCO

Belgian beer, Cuban rumba dancing and traditional New Year celebrations in several countries all make it onto UNESCO’s latest list of heritage worthy of protection.

The UN’s cultural body accepted Belgium’s application, recognising that brewing fosters a unified identity in a country divided by language.

But the 200 breweries, 1,500 different ales and lagers, and 30 brewing museums transcend the linguistic and geographical boundaries.

Belgian beer culture thus joins the likes of French gastronomy and Argentinian tango on the UNESCO list.

“I especially like the fact that they (beers) are global, universal, they make people gather together, and think that is what touched UNESCO, and for Belgium it highlights our traditions, our own culture that is linked to beer,” said Yvan De Baets, owner of the “Brasserie de la Senne” brewery. (MTI)