Three New Italian Nominations for UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage

Three Italian nominations for UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage

Italy is advancing its cultural safeguarding efforts with three new nominations to UNESCO. The dossiers highlight living traditions—both local and transnational—that embody community knowledge, craftsmanship and landscape-based practices.

The three nominations

• The nativity scene: from origins to cultural tradition, and the art of crafting it – A proposal to recognize the nativity scene as a cultural practice that blends artistic creativity, artisanal skills and popular spirituality. The initiative involves associations and sites historically linked to the tradition.
• The ritual of resting Valpolicella grapes – A viticultural and cultural practice connected to the drying (appassimento) of grapes, essential for the area’s wine production. The dossier highlights the deep relationship among communities, landscape and traditional wine-making knowledge.
• Alpine food heritage – A transnational project led by Switzerland with participation from Italy, France and Slovenia, aimed at inclusion in the Register of Good Safeguarding Practices. It gathers food traditions of alpine communities and promotes international cultural cooperation.

Why they matter

These nominations enhance the recognition of identity-forming practices and serve as tools for cultural diplomacy. They encourage collaboration among ministries, academic institutions, producer consortia and local communities, supporting the safeguarding of intangible cultural heritage.

What to expect

The recognition path involves technical assessment of the dossiers by national and international bodies, including community consultations and verification phases. Stakeholders include cultural offices, producer consortia and local associations. The process can take time and follows established UNESCO procedures.

Practical tip: follow official updates from the Ministry of Culture and local authorities for the latest information.