Three Italian nominations for UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage

Three Italian nominations for UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage

On 27 April 2026 Italy filed three proposals for UNESCO recognition aimed at safeguarding living knowledge, artisanal skills and food traditions rooted in local communities.

• The nativity scene (presepe): the nomination highlights its artistic expression, craftsmanship and popular devotion. The dossier emphasizes the role of local associations and historic sites, with references to places such as Assisi.
• The ritual of resting Valpolicella grapes: a cultural and agronomic practice linked to grape drying, essential for typical local wine products and the transmission of traditional enological knowledge.
• Alpine food heritage: a transnational initiative coordinated by Switzerland with participation from Italy, France and Slovenia, proposed for the Register of Good Safeguarding Practices for Alpine food traditions.

The main aims are to protect living cultural practices, support traditional trades, promote typical productions and strengthen cooperation networks among public bodies, associations, consortia and academic institutions.

UNESCO recognition can unlock concrete opportunities such as funding for safeguarding projects, training activities and cultural‑tourism initiatives that engage local communities. The nomination path includes preparing technical dossiers, verification phases and consultations with the communities concerned: these are complex procedures that require time and both national and international assessments.

Practical tip: to follow official updates on the nominations and timing, consult communications from the Ministry of Culture and the local authorities involved.