Techno Gets a Major Hat Tip in UN Agency’s List
Switzerland’s leaders have recognized the impact that techno culture is making on Zürich, the global financial center known for its rich history. This is just a small part of a big a move to update its image and celebrate the dance community.
The hat tip to techno and house music in particular comes as part of United Nations agency UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list. The list is a hand-picked selection of notable cultural traditions from global heritage sites. UNESCO’s cause is a noble one. Its primary function is to promote peace and security through uplifting educational, scientific, and cultural reform.
This is a big deal; the dance community is being recognized by world leaders in a major way. Decades after its humble underground beginnings, techno is coming to light as an important piece of the fabric of Zürich’s community.
“The development of techno culture in Zürich, with the Street Parade and a very distinctive club scene, lends Zürich a young, open, hedonistic, and international reputation,” said Walter Leimgruber, a University of Basel professor who helped select the designation.
Cited on the list of cultural influences along with 35 other components of Zürich’s community, techno culture takes up a big space in the hearts of residents. The Swiss city even hosts its own Street Parade festival. Street Parade is touted as the “most colorful house and techno parade in the world, with hundreds of thousands of dance fans from every continent.” (Source: streetparade.com)
Zürich’s Street Parade has been a major undertaking since 1992, and it’s still growing. Each year in August, revelers enjoy nine stages situated around Lake Zürich. The event also hosts over two dozen art cars with PA systems, live performers, and multimedia installations.
Would you travel to Zürich, Switzerland to party to house and techno all night long? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
