In a landmark decision affirming the profound cultural significance of shared meals, UNESCO has inscribed the entirety of Italian cuisine onto its prestigious list of Intangible Cultural Heritage. The designation, announced on Wednesday in New Delhi, elevates Italy’s food traditions beyond mere sustenance, recognizing them as a vital social ritual and a cornerstone of national identity. This move distinguishes Italy as the first nation to receive such a comprehensive accolade for its national cuisine, setting a new precedent in the global appreciation of gastronomic heritage.
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization’s committee, convening in the Indian capital, endorsed Italy’s candidacy after a campaign launched by the government in 2023. Unlike previous culinary recognitions granted to other nations, which focused on specific meal structures or dietary philosophies, UNESCO’s citation for Italy encompasses the broader social ecosystem surrounding its food. The panel highlighted the intergenerational transmission of cooking knowledge, the central role of communal dining in fostering family and community bonds, and the integral place of food in regional festivals and daily life.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni hailed the decision as a validation of a deeply held national belief. "For us Italians, cuisine is not just food or a collection of recipes," she stated. "It is so much more: it is culture, tradition, work, wealth." This sentiment was echoed by academic and campaign advisor Professor Pier Luigi Petrillo, who emphasized the emotional dimension, noting, “Cooking is a gesture of love; it’s how we share who we are and how we look after each other.” The announcement ignited a wave of national pride, with prominent figures from politics and the culinary world celebrating the international acknowledgment.
The strategic impetus behind Italy’s bid was multifaceted, aiming not only to bolster global prestige but also to leverage cultural capital for economic benefit, particularly in tourism. By enshrining "Italian cooking" as a heritage practice, the country seeks to attract visitors interested in immersive, authentic experiences that extend beyond iconic dishes to the very heart of Italian social customs. The recognition is anticipated to further solidify Italy’s position as a premier destination for cultural and gastronomic tourism.
Concurrently, the UNESCO committee also added Egypt's beloved street food, Koshary, to its list, underscoring the diverse and universal human connection to food heritage. Italy’s groundbreaking designation, however, establishes a new paradigm. It shifts the focus from the plate itself to the practices that surround it—the conversations over a slowly simmered ragù, the gathering for a Sunday lunch, and the meticulous passing down of techniques from nonna to granddaughter. This recognition affirms that intangible heritage resides not merely in what is eaten, but in how, why, and with whom it is shared, safeguarding a living tradition for future generations.