The U.N. cultural agency UNESCO on Wednesday recognized Italy’s national cuisine as an “intangible cultural heritage,” a formal recognition for a culinary tradition passed down through generations that Italy hopes will boost tourism.
The vote by a UNESCO panel, meeting in New Delhi, culminated a process initiated by Italy in 2023. The government presented the country’s gastronomic culture as a social ritual that unites families and communities, going far beyond pizza, pasta and risotto.
The 20th Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) session, held at Delhi’s 17th-century Red Fort, also added traditions like the Hindu festival of Diwali and Iceland’s pool culture to its list.
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In a flavorful statement to support Italy’s inclusion, the government described a diverse cuisine that is a microcosm of different cultures, from Lombardy’s ossobuco (braised veal shank with gremolata) to Puglia’s orecchiette con cime di rapa (ear-shaped pasta with turnip).
“This is a distinction that can only make us proud,” Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said in a statement on Wednesday.
“It gives us a powerful tool to further improve our products and protect them more effectively against imitations and unfair competition.”
Tourism groups estimate that UNESCO recognition could boost the sector by up to 8% over the next two years, adding 18 million overnight stays.
Italian cuisine joins a global menu on the list of intangible cultural heritage, which includes French haute cuisine meals that celebrate Sundays and festive occasions, Mexican meals that honor the religious rites of an ethnic minority, the kimchi fermentation technique of Korea and Washoku cuisine of Japan.
