Rewritten Article:
Title: Saxony Boosts Miners' Traditions with 50,000 Euros Support
The Saxon State Association of Miners', Smelters' and Miners' Clubs are in for a financial boost, receiving 50,000 euros from the Free State budget this year. The Culture Ministry in Dresden announced this on Monday, with plans to utilize 38,500 euros for producing genuine mining bards from around 1850, based on historical models. These bards are an integral part of the miners' uniform, typically available only as copies.
Minister of Culture and Tourism, Barbara Klepsch (CDU), spoke at a presentation in Chemnitz, remarking that mining parades are an essential crowd-puller for Saxony. Each year during Advent, these parades attract tens of thousands of visitors, becoming even more authentic with the addition of actual mountain beards. Klepsch praised the volunteers heavily, thanking them for preserving these traditions and customs within the Miners', Smelters' and Miners' Associations.
The Ministry publicly stated that the 50,000 euros allocated for the first time in the 2023/2024 budget would help maintain these traditions, attract young talent, and carry out cultural work in the Erzgebirge/Krušnohoří mining region. They have already supported a Saxon mining bands concert on World Heritage Day in Freiberg with 11,500 euros, reinforcing their commitment to preserving this rich heritage.
The State Association of Miners', Metallurgical and Miners' Associations represents the interests of mining brotherhoods, mining and metallurgical miners' associations, mining music, history, and tradition associations. These organizations work tirelessly to preserve and maintain the mining and metallurgical heritage. Currently, they have over 3,500 members in Saxony and the Czech Republic. Since 2016, mountain parades and mountain processions in Saxony have been recognized as intangible cultural heritage by the Nation.
Traditions and Preservation in the Erzgebirge/Krušnohoří Region
The Free State Government of Saxony supports cultural work by Miners' Clubs. These clubs play a significant role in the region, offering community gatherings, traditional events, and craft exhibitions. Mining history and heritage is celebrated through local festivals, historical reenactments, and workshops.
Preservation efforts include restoring historical sites, supporting community-led initiatives, investing in tourism, and engaging with local associations. Exemplary projects include funding for restoration projects, educational programs, and community events. The government collaborates with multiple organizations to ensure sustainable preservation of local customs and heritage.
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