Italian cuisine has received a prestigious endorsement from UNESCO, being officially recognized as an “intangible cultural heritage.” This designation celebrates Italy’s rich culinary traditions, which are woven deeply into the social fabric of the country, enhancing its global prestige and inviting a new wave of cultural tourism. By emphasizing cuisine as a means of connecting families and communities, Italy highlights the role of food as an expression of love and identity.
Italian cuisine, long cherished for its diverse regional traditions, has officially earned the designation of “intangible cultural heritage” from UNESCO, a move that aims to elevate Italy’s global presence and attract more visitors. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed pride in this recognition, stating it honors the essence of Italian identity. According to Meloni, cuisine in Italy transcends mere food and recipes; it embodies culture, tradition, work, and wealth.
The UNESCO acknowledgment, which came during a meeting in New Delhi, acknowledges Italy’s culinary traditions as a social ritual that fosters community bonds and family connections. Notably, the organization chose not to highlight specific dishes but rather emphasized the importance of the everyday rituals surrounding food, including cherished traditions such as the Sunday family lunch and grandmothers teaching younger generations the art of making tortellini. This perspective aligns with the sentiment that cooking is a profound act of love, allowing individuals to share their identities and care for one another, as noted by Pier Luigi Petrillo, a contributor to Italy’s UNESCO campaign.
UNESCO described Italian cuisine as a rich blend of cultural and social culinary traditions, further highlighting that practitioners regard cooking as a means to express love and rediscover cultural roots. This recognition is expected to boost Italy’s economy, particularly benefiting the agri-food sector, which contributes approximately 15% to the national GDP. Additionally, it promises to provide support to traditional family-run restaurants that have faced challenges in an increasingly polarized dining market.
Italy follows in the footsteps of other nations that have had their cuisines recognized as significant cultural expressions. In 2010, UNESCO honored the “gastronomic meal of the French” for its role in marking important life moments around the dining table. Other gastronomic traditions recently inscribed include Spain’s cider culture, Senegal’s Ceebu Jen dish, and Brazil’s artisanal cheese-making.
At the recent UNESCO meeting, the committee evaluated numerous proposals for inclusion on its representative list of intangible cultural heritage, currently housing 788 entries. This inclusive process ensures the preservation of diverse cultural practices, from Swiss yodeling to Bangladesh’s traditional handloom weaving, further enriching the world’s cultural tapestry.
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