Italian cuisine has officially entered the ranks of the intangible cultural heritage of humanity, confirming that food is not only nourishment, but also culture, history, and future. This recognition celebrates Italy’s ability to transform the dining table into a place of encounter, dialogue, and universal sharing. The honor was formally granted with its inscription in the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, making it the first culinary tradition in the world to be recognized in its entirety.
The decision was made unanimously by the UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee, convened in New Delhi, India. According to the statement, Italian cuisine represents a “cultural and social blend of culinary traditions”, a universal language capable of expressing love, self-care and care for others, and of rediscovering deep cultural roots. It is also a bridge that allows communities to share their stories and describe the world around them.
The nomination, titled “bbbbbb”, was promoted by the Collegio Culinario cultural association for Italian food and wine, in collaboration with Casa Artusi, the Accademia della Cucina Italiana, and the magazine La Cucina Italiana. The goal was to highlight the values that have always defined Italian culinary tradition, such as the fight against food waste and the reduction of resource consumption, making cuisine a model of sustainability and environmental responsibility.
With this new recognition, Italy now counts 19 elements in the UNESCO Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage, plus one element in the Register of Good Safeguarding Practices. Globally, UNESCO has recognized 788 elements across 150 countries, confirming the extraordinary richness of cultural traditions that make up the mosaic of humanity.
Italian cuisine is considered inclusive, capable of overcoming cultural and generational barriers. It is not just a collection of recipes, but a true way of life, combining conviviality, creativity, and respect for nature. UNESCO’s recognition is also a tribute to the craftsmanship of Italian agri-food companies, ambassadors of not only food, but also Italian culture and society around the world.
During his mission in India, Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani attended the session examining the nomination, emphasizing that this achievement is a source of pride for Italy and an invitation to continue promoting our gastronomic tradition as a symbol of sustainability, diversity, and cultural identity.