Cuban Son declared Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity
Son, in its various forms, remains popular throughout the country and has extended its influence worldwide
Posted by Sol de Cuba, 11/12/2025
The practice of Cuban Son was inscribed on the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity on December 10.
The news was announced during the meeting of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, which is being held in New Delhi, India. The decision was supported by a comprehensive and thorough dossier prepared by practitioners with the assistance of the Center for Research and Development of Cuban Music, the Cuban Institute of Music, the National Council of Casas de Cultura, and the National Council of Cultural Heritage.
Recognized as an essential element of national cultural identity, son cubano, in its various forms, remains popular throughout the country and has extended its influence worldwide. Originating in eastern Cuba, this musical and dance genre constitutes one of the foundational expressions of Cuban music, exhibiting a high degree of hybridization of African and Hispanic musical traditions. It reached its peak in the 1920s with the rise and development of commercial radio broadcasting. It was declared National Cultural Heritage in 2012.
The paradigmatic Trío Matamoros group allowed for the evolution of son by offering greater orchestration possibilities than those provided by its predecessors, the Sexteto and Septeto. Photo: Granma
With this declaration, which reaffirms the Cuban state’s commitment to safeguarding national cultural heritage, son joins other Cuban expressions on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, such as rumba, punto cubano, tumba francesa, the Parrandas of Central Cuba, and bolero.
We warmly welcome this UNESCO declaration, news that will be celebrated throughout the island and which we understand as a well-deserved tribute to the creativity and joy of an entire people and as recognition of all son musicians worldwide and the many bearers who have kept alive one of the most robust traditions of our national cultural heritage.
Source: Cuban Institute of Music
