When you think of Unesco, ancient historical sites or precious land likely spring to mind. But the organisation’s Intangible Cultural Heritage List protects a whole host of cultural traditions and practices – and one genre of music that is integral to Berlin’s culture has just been added.
After struggling through the last couple of years, Berlin is now set on preserving its world-famous nightlife. Last year, the city launched a scheme to pay young people to go clubbing and announced 500 new cultural spaces.
Now, after applying in November 2022, techno has just been placed under Unesco’s protection, alongside five other German traditions.
While that might sound a little random, the Intangible list champions cultural forms of expression that are linked to human creativity, passed down through generations and continually evolving. Music, dance and theatre all fall under that category, and therefore so does techno.
Clubcommission is a network of clubs and promoters in Berlin that supports the preservation of the city’s nightlife. Lutz Leichsenring, who’s on the executive board, told DW: ‘[the designation is] another milestone for Berlin techno producers, artists, club operators and event organisers.’
‘The decision will help us ensure that club culture is recognised as a valuable sector worthy of protection and support,’ he continued.
But as we said, it wasn’t the only German tradition to be designated by Unesco. The Finsterwalde singing tradition and the Kirchseeon Perchtenlauf winter parade in Bavaria were both added, too, along with Schwälmer Weißstickerei tapestry-sewing, apple cider viez, and mountaineering in Saxony.
It’s fair to say that Berlin’s nightlife is quite unlike anywhere else in the world. Check out our guides to the best clubs, bars and the ultimate weekend itinerary in the German capital.
Time Out’s take
Kate Bettes, features and travel journalist in Berlin, says: ‘When I have friends who visit me in Berlin and want to go clubbing for anything else but techno, I tell them they need to try it at least once. Why? Because the techno scene of this city is like nothing else in this world.
‘It weaves into Berlin’s wider music scene, and connects strangers on the dance floor with a shared beat experience. While I wouldn’t have called myself a major techno fan before I arrived here, I definitely am now.’
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