Three Italian Nominations for UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage

Three Italian Nominations for UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage

Italy has launched three nominations to be included in the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage lists. The proposals aim to protect traditional practices, artisanal skills and local knowledge, linking cultural expression with territorial identity and community participation.

• The nativity scene (presepe): the nomination frames the nativity scene as a cultural practice combining artistic creativity, craftsmanship and popular devotion, involving local associations and historical sites, including references to places like Assisi.
• The Valpolicella grape‑resting ritual: this agronomic and cultural practice relates to the drying/appassimento of grapes, central to local wine production and to the transmission of traditional enological knowledge.
• Alpine food heritage: a transnational initiative coordinated by Switzerland with Italy, France and Slovenia, proposed for the Register of Good Safeguarding Practices for Alpine food traditions.

The nominations seek to safeguard living knowledge, promote traditional crafts and enhance typical local products. UNESCO recognition can strengthen cooperation networks among public bodies, associations, consortia and academic institutions.

Official inscription may unlock funding for safeguarding projects, training programmes, cultural activities and educational tourism initiatives that directly involve local communities.

The recognition process requires detailed technical dossiers, verification stages and consultations with the communities concerned. These procedures are complex and involve both national and international assessments over extended timeframes.

Practical tip: for authoritative updates on the nominations and timelines, follow communications from the Ministry of Culture and the relevant local authorities.