The Leuven Jaartallenleven applies to men who turn 40, each of whom is accompanied by an older mentor or “godfather”. It joins Chinese shadow puppetry as the latest new entries on the Unesco list.

Flemish culture minister Joke Schauvliege congratulated Leuven on the decision. “Intangible cultural heritage deserves its place beside movable and monument heritage,” she said. “I want to give chances, in my long term policy, to heritage communities. They are often made up of volunteers who protect and maintain our customs and hand them down. Their efforts are worth their weight in gold.”