Italian cuisine has received UNESCO’s first approval in its bid to join the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, following a positive technical evaluation released this morning. The assessment confirms that Italy’s dossier “meets the required standards and aligns with UNESCO’s cultural preservation goals,” according to the organization.
If ratified by the Intergovernmental Committee, which will convene in New Delhi from December 8 to 13, 2025, Italian cuisine would become the first in the world to be recognized as a holistic cultural system, encompassing traditions, practices, and knowledge shared across generations.
“This initial green light is an important step, but it is not yet final,” said Pier Luigi Petrillo, professor at Luiss Guido Carli University and curator of the Italian application. “The committee in India may still review or revise the decision.”
The Italian dossier presents cuisine not merely as a collection of dishes or techniques but as a “cultural practice that embodies community, identity, and intergenerational knowledge.” According to the document, these values “extend far beyond the plate,” reflecting the deep social and regional roots that characterize Italy’s approach to food.
The UNESCO committee’s final decision in December will determine whether Italian cuisine officially joins an esteemed list that already includes traditions such as Swiss yodeling, Cuban son, Japanese origami, Cypriot sweet wine, and Mexico’s Passion of Christ celebrations.
For Italy, the recognition would mark a significant cultural achievement—affirming that its culinary heritage is not only excellence in gastronomy but also a living symbol of national identity and collective memory.
L’articolo UNESCO Gives Initial Green Light to Italian Cuisine’s Bid proviene da Italianfood.net.
