Italian cuisine has officially been declared Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO, a historic recognition that elevates Italy’s gastronomy as a global symbol of identity, tradition, and community life. The decision was made during the 20th session of UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, held in New Delhi, and sets a precedent: It is the first time that the cuisine of an entire country has received this distinction.
Beyond its iconic recipes, UNESCO highlighted that Italian cuisine represents a living cultural system, deeply rooted in everyday life, family relationships, and the transmission of knowledge from one generation to the next. The recognition is not limited to the dishes themselves, but to the social, emotional, and symbolic experience that revolves around the table.
Why was Italian cuisine declared Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO?
According to UNESCO, Italian cuisine is a model of sociocultural identity. Preparing and sharing food in Italy is not an isolated act, but a collective practice that strengthens family and community bonds. The table becomes a space for dialogue, affection, and connection, where values, stories, and traditions are passed on.
The international organization defined Italian gastronomy as a “cuisine of affection,” capable of connecting generations and transcending borders. From a Sunday family meal to local celebrations, religious festivities, and social gatherings, cooking plays a central role in the country’s cultural life.
This perspective was key to the recognition, as UNESCO valued the social dimension of Italian gastronomy as much as its flavors and techniques. Sharing a plate of pasta, kneading bread, or preparing a traditional sauce not only nourishes the body but also feeds collective memory.
Tradition, sustainability, and ancestral knowledge
Among the aspects most highlighted by UNESCO is the use of local, seasonal raw materials, as well as the preservation of artisanal techniques passed down through generations. Italian cuisine promotes sustainable practices, recipes aimed at reducing food waste, and a deep respect for the land and its products.
Regional diversity was also a determining factor. Each Italian region contributes its own ingredients, methods, and traditions, turning the country’s gastronomy into a cultural mosaic that reflects its history, geography, and creativity. This richness shows that Italian cuisine is not static, but a living tradition that evolves without losing its roots.
While Neapolitan pizza had already been recognized as Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2017, this new designation broadens the scope by recognizing Italian cuisine as a whole as an integrated cultural system.
With this declaration, Italy now has 21 elements inscribed on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list, consolidating its position as one of the countries with the highest number of recognitions in this field.