Italian Cuisine and Its Rituals Earn UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Status

A Global Recognition for Italian Culinary Traditions

Italian cuisine, celebrated worldwide for its rich flavors and diverse regional specialties, has officially been designated as part of the world's 'intangible' cultural heritage by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The announcement was made on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, during the UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee meeting held in New Delhi, India. This significant recognition highlights not merely specific dishes, but the profound cultural rituals and social practices surrounding Italian food preparation and consumption.

The Essence of Italian Culinary Heritage

The UNESCO designation emphasizes the 'cultural and social blend of culinary traditions' that define Italian cooking. It acknowledges a shared cultural model encompassing community experiences, the conscious selection of raw materials, the conviviality of meals, the intergenerational transmission of knowledge, and a deep respect for seasons and local territories. Key aspects highlighted include the tradition of the Sunday family lunch, grandmothers teaching grandchildren how to prepare dishes like tortellini, and the fundamental act of coming together to share a meal. 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 to others and how we take care of others.'

A Milestone for Italy

This inscription marks a historic moment as it is the first time a 'national cuisine' has been recognized in its entirety, covering the expansive concept of 'Italian cooking' as a low-waste, high-value tradition. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni celebrated the designation, asserting that for Italians, cuisine is 'not just food or a collection of recipes. It is much more: it is culture, tradition, work, wealth,' and that it honors national identity. The bid for this recognition was initially submitted in 2023 by Italy's agriculture and culture ministries, culminating in a positive technical opinion on November 10, 2025, before the final decision in New Delhi.

Broader Context and Future Impact

Italy already boasts a rich presence on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list, with 20 other items including the art of Neapolitan pizza-making (recognized in 2017), Sicilian puppet theatre, and Cremona's violin craftsmanship. The Mediterranean diet, which includes Italy among other countries, was also recognized in 2013. This latest recognition is widely expected to provide a significant boost to Italy's tourism sector and agri-food industry, further promoting the country's unique culinary landscape on a global stage.