As an anthropologist, I was skeptical about the ability to define and select intangible cultural treasures and address the many questions that could be raised about the concept. But one could take heart that in the age of globalization, local cultures have survived, and sometimes even flourished. One would appreciate that in an age of constant innovation, tradition had some lasting value. The power and tenacity of the selected traditions and their practitioners was palpable. One can only hope that with local, national, and now international action plans in place, they will continue to inspire future generations.