Nativity scenes and Valpolicella grape-resting ritual: new UNESCO

Nativity scenes and Valpolicella grapes: what Italy has proposed to UNESCO

The Italian National Commission for UNESCO, following guidance from the Ministry of Culture, has prepared nomination dossiers to propose new elements of Italy’s living heritage for recognition. The initiatives highlight community practices, traditional craftsmanship and the deep ties between landscape and local identity.

The submitted nominations

• The nativity scene, from origins to cultural tradition, and the art of creating it: this nomination presents the nativity scene as an artistic, craft and spiritual practice, involving dedicated associations, local communities and emblematic sites such as Greccio and Assisi. The proposal coincides with the 800th anniversary of St. Francis of Assisi’s death, an important reference in the history of the living Nativity tradition.
• The ritual of putting Valpolicella grapes to rest: the dossier documents the traditional method of drying grapes, the relationship between producers and their landscape, and collective practices tied to Valpolicella wine production. The project was developed with the local wine consortium, research institutions and territorial networks like SNODAR.
• Alpine food heritage: cultural safeguard programmes (multinational nomination): coordinated by Switzerland with France, Slovenia and Italy as participants, this initiative is aimed at the Register of Good Safeguarding Practices and collects traditional alpine food practices and community-led protection measures.

Why these nominations matter

Recognition by UNESCO helps preserve transmitted knowledge, supports traditional craftsmanship and strengthens community identity. Listing can increase international visibility, promote sustainable cultural tourism and attract resources for local safeguarding and education programmes.

Visitor guidance and ways to engage

• Explore Greccio and Assisi to learn about the historical roots of the nativity scene; local associations often run exhibitions and hands-on workshops.
• In Valpolicella, book winery visits and wine routes to observe the grape-drying process (appassimento), usually scheduled seasonally, and to learn how production ties into the regional landscape.
• Attend tastings, guided tours and educational events organised by consortia and local groups to deepen your understanding of techniques and traditions.

Next steps and timeline

The dossiers will undergo technical review by UNESCO bodies: nominations for the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage follow an evaluation process that can take several months, while proposals for the Register of Good Safeguarding Practices are assessed against criteria of impact and replicability. Final decisions depend on technical recommendations and committee approvals.

Final notes

These nominations underscore Italy’s commitment to intangible cultural heritage, from popular creativity to agro-food traditions. For cultural travellers and professionals in tourism, the proposals offer new thematic motives to visit and engage with Italy’s living traditions.