UNESCO Confirms Italian Cooking as Global Cultural Treasure

UPDATE: UNESCO has just confirmed the cultural significance of Italian cooking, designating it as part of the world’s “intangible” cultural heritage. This landmark decision, announced on July 15, 2023, recognizes the deep-rooted rituals of cooking and dining that Italians cherish, such as the beloved Sunday family lunch and the age-old tradition of grandmothers teaching their grandchildren to make pasta.

This recognition celebrates the essence of Italian cuisine beyond mere recipes, highlighting its role in cultural identity and community bonding. “Cooking is a gesture of love, a way in which we tell something about ourselves to others,” stated Pier Luigi Petrillo, a member of the Italian UNESCO campaign and professor at Rome’s UnitelmaSapienza University. He emphasized the rarity of such dining practices worldwide, illustrating how for Italians, meals symbolize culture, tradition, and family values.

The UNESCO listing adds Italian cooking to a prestigious roster of global cultural practices, which includes Italy’s notable sites like the Colosseum and Pompeii. The committee convened in New Delhi to evaluate 53 nominations for this year’s representative list, with Italy now boasting 13 cultural items recognized by UNESCO.

Francesco Lenzi, a pasta maker at Rome’s Osteria da Fortunata, expressed pride in Italy’s culinary heritage. “For me, Italian cuisine is the best, top of the range. Nothing comes close,” he declared. Lenzi reminisced about his grandmother’s Sunday ravioli-making sessions, underscoring the emotional connection Italians have with food.

The Italian submission highlighted not just culinary artistry but also the sustainability and biocultural diversity inherent in its food culture. Italy’s cuisine emphasizes fresh, seasonal ingredients and minimizing waste, showcasing the country’s regional diversity and influences from various cultures.

UNESCO’s recognition is not Italy’s first foray into gastronomic heritage. The Mediterranean diet was included in 2010, followed by another recognition in 2017. Petrillo noted that following the earlier listings, the number of accredited schools for pizza makers in Naples has surged by more than 400%, showcasing the tangible impacts of such cultural recognition on education and tourism.

Mirella Pozzoli, a tourist from Lombardy, echoed the sentiment of many Italians regarding the importance of communal dining: “Sitting at the table with family or friends is something that we Italians cherish and care about deeply.” This emotional connection to shared meals is a hallmark of Italian life, making this UNESCO recognition even more significant.

As the world embraces Italian cuisine, this designation offers a fresh opportunity for Italy to promote its culinary tourism and heritage, inviting food enthusiasts worldwide to explore the rich tapestry of Italian cooking traditions.

Stay tuned for more updates as Italy celebrates this monumental recognition of its culinary heritage, further solidifying its status on the global stage.