The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has declared the Brotherhood of the Holy Spirit of the Congos of Villa Mella a heritage masterpiece. The brotherhood was named a “Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity” along with 18 other examples of cultural expression from around the world. Villa Mella is a town on the outskirts of Santo Domingo. The Brotherhood of the Holy Spirit represents communities and individuals of mixed descent who believe in the Holy Spirit, which they associate with percussion instruments. Their traditions have Spanish roots but were adapted by the slave population in the colonial period. Family ties, paternal and maternal, determine membership and position within the fraternity. Its members play the music of 21 traditional songs during burial and veneration rites. The rituals and celebrations of the Brotherhood of the Holy Spirit are attended by thousands of people. For more information on the award, see http://www.unesco.org/culture/heritage/intangible/
