The Rotterdam Summer Carnival and traditional Dutch irrigation techniques have been included on Unesco’s intangible cultural heritage of humanity list, which registers diversity of human heritage to raise awareness about its importance.

The carnival, Unesco says is a “multicultural celebration that unites participants from the Caribbean and European Netherlands, as well as ethnic minority groups from Central and South America and Africa”

“The floats and costumes are constructed in a large, shared space, allowing the groups to exchange and transmit knowledge and skills related to welding, carpentry, design, and recycling materials,” Unesco said. In addition, the carnival “is tied to people’s cultural roots and their emancipation, bolstering individuality, expression and self-worth.”

The Netherlands is one of several Europe countries whose traditional methods of irrigation have also been included.

“Traditional irrigation,” Unesco says, “requires a profound understanding of the natural landscape, water flow and weather conditions, as well as close cooperation between those responsible for the distribution of the water (such as farmers and landowners) and others involved in the maintenance of the physical structures.”

The inclusion of the carnival and irrigation system brings the total number of Dutch traditions on the intangible cultural heritage list to five. Flower and fruit parades (Corso), falconry and the job of wind and water miller were previously included.