Flamenco dancing added to UNESCO’s world heritage list

Spanish flamenco dancing, French gastronomy and Chinese acupuncture are among the intangible elements added to UNESCO’s world heritage list.

The list was origninally started in 2003 by the UN's culture and education agency to protect the world's traditions considered under threat from globalisation.

Other intagible cultural experiences added to the list include India's Chhau dance tradition, Belgium's carnival, Colombia's Marimba music and Azerbaijan's hand-woven rugs.

This was the first time cuisine had made the list, with French food being added alongside a traditional Mexican meal.

"The gastronomic meal of the French is a customary social practice for celebrating important moments," the agency said.