Unesco Designates Italian Cuisine as Intangible Cultural Heritage
Italian cooking traditions have been officially designated as intangible cultural heritage by the United Nations' cultural agency, Unesco. The announcement occurred during a Unesco assembly meeting held in Delhi, India.
Significance of the Designation
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who had advocated for this recognition, stated that for Italians, cuisine extends beyond food and recipes, encompassing culture, tradition, work, and economic value. Unesco characterized Italian cuisine as a medium for connecting with family and community, applicable in domestic environments, educational institutions, festivals, ceremonies, and social gatherings.
While specific Italian culinary items such as pizza were already on Unesco's list of intangible cultural heritage, this new designation recognizes the broader traditions of Italian cooking and their methods of practice and transmission.
Industry and Tourism Impact
Chef Michelangelo Mammoliti of La Rei Natura, a restaurant in Piedmont, expressed personal and professional pride regarding the announcement, noting the significant cultural impact of regional cuisines in Italy. Industry stakeholders and government officials anticipate that this recognition will contribute to an increase in tourism to Italy, which currently attracts approximately 80 million international visitors annually.
Luigi Scordamaglia, CEO of Filiera Italia, an organization representing Italian food and wine producers, stated that the Unesco decision signifies a success for the entire "Made in Italy" supply chain. Mr. Scordamaglia also connected the designation to the Mediterranean diet, emphasizing its principles of balance and variety inherent in Italian cuisine.
Other Global Designations
During the same Unesco assembly, several other cultural practices were added to the intangible cultural heritage list. These included:
- Koshary, a dish from Egypt
- Swimming pool culture in Iceland
- The practice of Cuban Son music and dance
- The art of playing, singing, and crafting the lahuta from Albania
Previous examples of food-related traditions recognized by Unesco include "Washoku, traditional dietary cultures of the Japanese" and "Breakfast culture in Malaysia."