UNESCO Declares Italian Cooking as Global Cultural Heritage

UPDATE: In a groundbreaking decision, UNESCO has officially recognized the rituals surrounding Italian cooking as part of the world’s “intangible” cultural heritage. This announcement was made on Wednesday, adding to the global appreciation of Italy’s culinary traditions, which include the cherished Sunday family lunch and the timeless practice of grandmothers passing down recipes.

The designation highlights the significance Italians place on the rituals of cooking and sharing meals, emphasizing that for them, cuisine is not merely about food. As Pier Luigi Petrillo, a member of the Italian UNESCO campaign, stated, “Cooking is a gesture of love, a way in which we tell something about ourselves.” This sentiment resonates profoundly within Italian culture, where mealtime is a cherished occasion for family and friends to gather.

Why This Matters NOW: With the growing global interest in authentic culinary traditions, this recognition elevates Italian cooking’s status and could boost tourism and food education across Italy. The decision follows an extensive review process by UNESCO, which considered 53 nominations this year alone during its annual meeting in New Delhi.

Despite not specifying particular dishes—such as pizza or pasta—the UNESCO citation underlines the importance of practices like teaching children how to prepare traditional foods. Francesco Lenzi, a pasta maker at Rome’s renowned Osteria da Fortunata, remarked on the universal appeal of Italian food: “Wherever you go in the world, everyone knows the word spaghetti. Everyone knows pizza.” His passion stems from memories of his grandmother making ravioli, reflecting the deep familial bonds tied to these culinary traditions.

The recognition aligns with Italy’s emphasis on the sustainability and biodiversity of its cuisine. The campaign showcased how Italian cooking values seasonality and fresh produce while respecting regional diversity. Mirella Pozzoli, a tourist visiting Rome from the Lombardy region, echoed the cultural significance of dining together, stating, “Sitting at the table with family or friends is something that we Italians cherish and care about deeply.”

Italy now adds this accolade to its impressive list of 13 other cultural items already recognized by UNESCO, which includes the Sicilian puppet theatre and the traditional craftsmanship of Cremona’s violins. The country’s previous recognitions in food-related listings, such as the 2010 Mediterranean diet and the 2017 recognition of traditional Neapolitan pizza, have already shown positive impacts on local economies. Petrillo noted that after the 2017 pizza recognition, accredited schools for pizza makers surged by over 400%.

As Italy celebrates this monumental recognition, the global culinary community is poised to reflect on the cultural depth and heritage of Italian cooking. With this UNESCO designation, the future of Italian culinary practices appears brighter than ever, offering a reminder of the love and tradition behind every meal shared at the table.

Stay tuned as this story develops and more details emerge about the impacts of this important cultural milestone.