Italian cuisine honoured as UNESCO heritage: the Accademia della Cucina

Italian cuisine honoured as UNESCO heritage

An ecumenical dinner organized by the Accademia della Cucina highlighted the cultural and social importance of Italian cuisine, recognised by UNESCO as intangible heritage. The event emphasized food's role in building relationships, passing on traditions and promoting local produce.

The evening gathered chefs, local officials and food enthusiasts, featuring a menu focused on seasonal ingredients and traditional recipes. Simultaneous gatherings were held in other countries, demonstrating the global reach of Italy's culinary heritage.

What it means for local areas

UNESCO recognition helps promote local food heritage, supporting agricultural supply chains, markets and cultural tourism initiatives. Local authorities and associations can use this opportunity to highlight typical products and gastronomic routes for visitors and residents.

Practical tips for participation and exploration

• Check local programmes: look for themed dinners and events organised by academies, municipalities and cultural associations.
• Discover regional products: visit markets, farms and recognised food presides to learn about typical ingredients.
• Join workshops and courses: cooking classes and sensory experiences help understand techniques and cultural meanings behind dishes.
• Support seasonality: choose restaurants and menus that prioritise local, seasonal ingredients.
• Practical info: for events run by organisations such as the Accademia della Cucina, contact local branches or official channels for participation and booking details.

The celebration of cuisine as UNESCO heritage invites us to see food not just as sustenance, but as a shared cultural asset to be known, protected and passed on to future generations.