UNESCO recognizes Italian cuisine as an Intangible Cultural Heritage.

(GLO) - Italian cuisine has become the first comprehensive culinary style to be recognized by UNESCO, the United Nations' cultural agency. It is also the first time in the world that the cuisine of a nation has become a World Heritage site.

Italian cuisine, from pasta and mozzarella cheese to wine and tiramisu, is listed as a prestigious Intangible Cultural Heritage; and as the country with the most UNESCO-recognized cultural heritage sites in the world, it is a major draw for tourists .

Italian pasta has been listed as a prestigious Intangible Cultural Heritage. Photo: Internet

On December 10th, UNESCO officially recognized Italian cuisine as a cultural icon. In a UNESCO announcement, Italian cuisine was described as “a cultural and social blend of culinary traditions” and a way of “caring for oneself and others, expressing love and rediscovering cultural roots”; while also providing communities with a channel “to share their history and describe the world around them.”

According to UNESCO, Italian cuisine is a community activity that emphasizes connection with food, respect for ingredients, and moments of togetherness around the table… People of all ages and genders participate, exchanging recipes, suggestions, and stories, with grandparents often passing down traditional dishes to their children and grandchildren.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni proudly stated: “We are the first in the world to receive this recognition, which honors our people and our identity. For Italians, cuisine is not simply food or a collection of recipes. It is much more than that: it is culture, tradition, work, and wealth.”

Italian Agriculture Minister Francesco Lollobrigida emphasized that this victory is "a celebration for everyone because it speaks to our roots, our creativity, and our ability to transform tradition into reality."

Italian wine, a cultural icon in Italian cuisine, has recently been officially recognized by UNESCO (illustrative image).

And this country has excellent reason to celebrate as its national cuisine has become a World Heritage site for the first time in the world.

Previously, in March 2023, the Italian government submitted an application for recognition of national cuisine as an "intangible cultural heritage." In the application, the government emphasized the connection between traditional cuisine, culture, and the Italian way of life, describing it as an intimate social ritual that binds families and communities together.

Italy already has 21 other traditions on this list of intangible cultural heritage, including Neapolitan pizza making and opera singing, and it is the first country to be recognized for its entire culinary heritage rather than just a single tradition or recipe.

Source: https://baogialai.com.vn/unesco-cong-nhan-am-thuc-italy-la-di-san-van-hoa-phi-vat-the-post574677.html