Tango declared part of world's cultural heritage by U.N. - The Algodon
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The Algodon

Tango declared part of world's cultural heritage by U.N.

Tango at Algodon Wine Estates.
(click for fullsize)

Tango was declared part of the world's cultural heritage by UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) on Wednesday, and granted the international seal of approval.

The 24 members of UNESCO's Intergovernmental Committee of Intangible Heritage granted the tango dance and its music protected cultural status.

The designation may make Argentina and Uruguay, which both claim to be tango's birthplace, eligible to receive financial assistance from a specialized fund for safeguarding cultural traditions. It will also help both governments justify using public funds to preserve their most famous export after beef.

Argentina and Uruguay have long been embroiled in a clash over the birthplace of the great tango crooner Carlos Gardel.  They kicked aside their differences last year in a joint effort to persuade UNESCO to list tango among UNESCO's traditions worth safeguarding for humanity.

India's Vedic chanting and Japan's Kabuki Theater are among the dozens of U.N. protected traditions.