Italian cuisine on UNESCO's list: A global triumph for heritage and identity
In a significant cultural and diplomatic achievement, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) announced on Wednesday the inscription of Italian cuisine on its Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This decision was made during the meetings of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage in New Delhi, India, where the Italian application, formally submitted in 2023, was approved. It was one of 68 carefully considered nominations, which also included the recognition of the Indian festival of Diwali.
A victory for Italian national identity
Official reactions in Rome were swift, with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressing her deep pride in this global ranking. This achievement is seen as the culmination of her right-wing government's efforts to strengthen national identity and promote the "Made in Italy" label as a top political and economic priority.
“This decision honors our essence and who we are,” Meloni said in an official statement celebrating the occasion. “For us Italians, cuisine is not just food or an assemblage of recipes and ingredients; it is much more than that. It is a living culture, an inherited tradition, a value for work, and a national treasure that reflects our long history.”.
More than just food: social and cultural rituals
This recognition underscores that Italian cuisine is more than just famous dishes like pasta, pizza, and ice cream; it represents a social practice that fosters human interaction. Italian cuisine is a daily ritual that brings families and friends together around the table, strengthening social bonds and intergenerational dialogue. It also draws heavily on its immense regional diversity, with each region of Italy boasting its own unique local produce, from the Alps in the north to Sicily in the south, always with a focus on the quality and simplicity of its ingredients.
Expected economic and tourism impact
This inclusion is expected to have tangible positive effects on the Italian economy, particularly in the tourism and agri-food sectors. Italy, one of the world's leading tourist destinations, relies heavily on gastronomy tourism to attract visitors. This international recognition will enhance the appeal of the Italian peninsula as a destination offering a holistic cultural and sensory experience, supporting local farmers and producers who maintain traditional production methods.
A distinguished record on the UNESCO list
This isn't Italy's first foray into culinary heritage; in 2017, Italy successfully had "The Art of Pizza Makers of Naples" (Pizzaiuolo) inscribed on UNESCO's list, highlighting the unique artisanal skills associated with this global dish. Italy also shares with other countries the inscription of the "Mediterranean Diet" as a healthy lifestyle and heritage. This widespread recognition of Italian cuisine today further solidifies Italy's position as a major player in global cultural soft power.
