UPDATE: In a landmark decision, UNESCO has just announced that the rituals surrounding Italian cooking and eating are now officially recognized as part of the world’s “intangible cultural heritage.” This monumental designation, confirmed on July 15, 2023, highlights the deep cultural significance that Italians attach to their culinary traditions, including family gatherings and the passing down of recipes through generations.
The recognition shines a spotlight on cherished Italian customs such as the Sunday family lunch and the art of grandmothers teaching their grandchildren how to make traditional dishes. “Cooking is a gesture of love,” stated Pier Luigi Petrillo, a member of the Italian UNESCO campaign and professor at Rome’s UnitelmaSapienza University. He emphasized that sharing meals is a vital expression of Italian culture, one that fosters community and connection.
This announcement adds to Italy’s rich cultural legacy, already home to 13 other items on UNESCO’s intangible heritage list, including the **Mediterranean diet** and Sicilian puppet theatre. The designation not only celebrates the culinary arts but also aims to promote sustainability and biocultural diversity within Italian cuisine. Italy’s submission highlighted the importance of fresh, seasonal ingredients and the value of minimizing waste.
In a statement reflecting on the global impact of Italian cuisine, Francesco Lenzi, a pasta maker at Rome’s Osteria da Fortunata, said, “For me, Italian cuisine is the best, top of the range. Nothing comes close.” He noted how Italian dishes like spaghetti have transcended borders, making their mark on the global culinary stage.
The decision comes at a time when UNESCO’s annual committee in New Delhi reviewed 53 nominations, expanding the representative list of intangible heritage, which now includes a total of **788 items**. Other culinary traditions recognized in recent years include Spain’s cider culture and Senegal’s Ceebu Jen culinary practices.
This recognition is expected to have significant economic implications for Italy, boosting tourism and driving interest in culinary education. Following previous UNESCO recognitions, the number of accredited schools training Neapolitan pizza makers surged by over **400%**, according to Petrillo.
As Italians celebrate this momentous occasion, tourists and locals alike are reflecting on the importance of meal-sharing traditions. Mirella Pozzoli, a visitor from Lombardy, expressed the essence of Italian dining: “Sitting at the table with family or friends is something that we Italians cherish and care about deeply.”
With this UNESCO recognition, the world now has another reason to appreciate and enjoy the richness of Italian culinary heritage. As Italy continues to showcase its gastronomic culture, food enthusiasts and travelers can look forward to experiencing the love and tradition that define Italian cooking.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story and what it means for the future of Italy’s culinary arts.