Baxa confirmed the recognition by presenting a commemorative certificate to representatives of the brewing industry. The designation was recommended by the National Council for Traditional Folk Culture and supported by the Czech Beer and Malt Association.
The Czech Republic, home to more than 550 breweries, employs about 65,000 people in its brewing sector, which contributed CZK 29 billion (USD 1.3 billion) in taxes in 2023. It is now the third European country, after Germany and Belgium, to officially recognize beer culture as an intangible cultural heritage.
“We make no secret of the fact that we would also like to seek UNESCO recognition in the future,” said Tomáš Slunečko, executive director of the Czech Beer and Malt Association. “Now we have to prove that we can take care of our beer culture and develop it.”
Beer culture permeates social life in Czechia
According to the brewers’ association, Czech beer culture connects the smallest rural pubs with large, renowned urban establishments, uniting guests and innkeepers alike.
The recognition highlights the cultivation of hops and barley, the traditional art of brewing, and the craft of beer tapping. The association emphasized that beer culture has historically played a vital role in social gatherings and the exchange of ideas, strengthening a sense of community.
"We are proud that the culture associated with beer is becoming part of the Czech Republic's intangible cultural heritage. The registration will now help us to further maintain, protect, and develop this extremely unique culture," said Slunečko.
Subscribe to our Telegram channel and be the first to know the news!