Intangible Cultural Heritage in Spata Greece: From Mythology to Gastronomic Folklore and from Tradition to Contemporary Culture

The article critically engages with the articulations and manifestations of a clear shift UNESCO has made by suggesting a new definition of intangible cultural heritage. The historic development of the notion of intangible cultural heritage within UNESCO is considered in order to explore some of the implication and opportunities that may arise from this shift in approach (Whitaker, 2017). The dynamic nature of culture is now adapted in this new era and greatly encourages the performing and recreation of various cultural expressions. The focus of this paper is on a folklore (intangible cultural activity) taking place in Spata Greece and involves festivities and the communal cooking of a traditional meal. The images of communal co-creation and participation present a living tradition that has been neglected and overlooked for many years. This article, aims to explore the potential for revitalizing and promoting an old tradition, through the use of technology. Issues such as networking, community participation, digital community participation, physical and digital experience and more will be discussed in detail. Using and analyzing the example of Spata, the proposed approach aims at conceiving folklore and intangible heritage not only as the ways of a distant past but also as a symbolic and living space to be appropriated by local communities who are the bearers of a collective and active memory. Following the trend for digital experiences, the new tradition is not only revived or viewed as a representation but it becomes an active agent for creating and promoting social cohesion, sense of community and civic pride far beyond the physical frontiers.