In 2011, UNESCO officially added the mariachi tradition to its Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritages in Need of Safeguarding. According to this declaration, the mariachi is a living heritage that provides a sense of identity to its community. By recognizing the mariachi as a fundamental element of Mexican culture, UNESCO attempts to achieve greater protection for this tradition through worldwide awareness. Since this designation, the Mexican government has given more official support to mariachi music than ever before.