DILI, 10 december 2024 (TATOLI) – The President of the Republic, Jose Ramos Horta inaugurated the 2024 National Tais Forum, welcoming over 200 traditional weavers from across Timor-Leste to the Nicolau Lobato Presidential Palace. The two-day celebrates Tais weaving, the nation’s first UNESCO-recognized Intangible Cultural Heritage.
The forum, organized by the Presidency of the Republic of Timor-Leste in collaboration with Timor Aid and the Rede Soru Na’in Association Timor-Leste, brings together weavers from all 13 municipalities and the Special Administrative Region of Oecusse-Ambeno. Government officials, diplomats, and cultural experts are also participating in discussions on preserving and promoting this traditional textile art form, which received UNESCO recognition in 2021.
“Tais weaving represents the living soul of Timor-Leste – each thread carries our stories, our identity, and our people’s resilience,” said President Ramos-Horta. “By supporting our master weavers and the Rede Soru Na’in Association, we ensure this sacred knowledge passes to future generations while creating economic opportunities for rural communities.”
The forum features cultural performances from all municipalities, showcasing traditional ceremonies where Tais plays a central role. Additionally, the event marks the inaugural annual general meeting of the Rede Soru Na’in Association Timor-Leste, the national weavers’ network established to safeguard this cultural heritage.
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Filomeno Martins