Cyprus’ Traditional Singing Style Nominated for UNESCO Heritage List

Cyprus has nominated its traditional singing style known as Fones for inclusion on UNESCO’s List of Intangible Cultural Heritage. According to the Cyprus National Commission for UNESCO, the nomination is being coordinated by national commissioner Antigoni Poliniki and medieval history professor Angela Nicolaou-Konnari, with support from local municipalities, communities, and cultural organizations.

Fones are melodic tunes typically used to sing poetic couplets, most often romantic in nature, though the content can vary. These melodies can be traditional and of unknown origin or newly composed by contemporary artists. They serve as a musical foundation for the creation of new poetic works.

Until the 20th century, Fones were largely localized, known only in the regions where they were developed. However, with the advancement of transportation and communication, the tradition spread across the entire island. Many of the melodies are named after the areas where they originated.

In its submission to UNESCO, Cyprus describes Fones as “one of the most important expressions of Cyprus’s oral and traditional culture,” noting that they continue to be a vibrant form of artistic expression, a means of conveying emotions, and a source of entertainment. The tradition is also seen as playing a vital role in shaping both personal and collective identity among Cypriots.

Cyprus was one of the first countries to have sites inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List back in 1980, with the inclusion of the archaeological site of Paphos, the painted churches of the Troodos region, and the Neolithic settlement of Choirokoitia.