Participatory methods and intangible cultural heritage in the neighbourhoods

The protection of the Intangible Cultural Heritage (PCI) is essential as a tool for social cohesion in local communities, instilling in them a feeling of identity and continuity, and promoting respect for diversity and human creativity. However, the safeguarding of this type of heritage is something very recent and there is still a lack of consensus about the common criteria and methodologies for its protection. Hence the importance of designing and implementing participatory methodologies that specifically create spaces for participation around the management of the PCI in neighborhoods. This article shows results obtained from a real experience carried out in the neighbourhood of La Fontanalla (Málaga, Spain). A series of innovative and flexible methodological actions are proposed, based on the involvement of neighbours and local entities in the design of the participatory process. The results carried out confirm the suitability of this methodology to create spaces for participation. The conclusions include some peculiarities of community management of the PCI, mechanisms used, difficulties that have been found and their impact on participatory governance in the Malaga neighborhood.