UNESCO has unveiled the latest additions to its Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list, celebrating a rich array of global traditions that reflect the importance of cuisine, festivals, and local customs.
Among the headline recognitions were Italy’s national cuisine and Egypt’s iconic dish, koshary, marking significant milestones for both countries in preserving and showcasing their cultural heritage.
In an historic moment for Italian culture, Italy became the first country to have its entire national cuisine inscribed on the prestigious UNESCO list. The recognition, approved at UNESCO’s annual session in New Delhi, highlights the profound connection between Italian food, family life, and regional identity. Supported by both Italy’s culture and agriculture ministries, the bid underscored the central role of cuisine in Italian social life, from traditional recipes passed down through generations to the culinary diversity found across the country.
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni welcomed the decision, expressing the deep cultural value of Italian cuisine for her country.
"For us Italians, cuisine is not just food, not just a collection of recipes; it is much more: it is culture, tradition, work, wealth," Meloni said, reflecting the sentiment felt by many Italians who see their food as an essential part of their national identity.
Egypt also celebrated a major cultural victory with the inclusion of koshary, a popular dish made from rice, lentils, and pasta, in UNESCO’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage. Known for its widespread popularity and presence in everyday Egyptian life, koshary is considered a symbol of the country's culinary heritage. The recognition highlights its significance not only as a beloved meal but as a staple of Egyptian culture.
At Cairo's famous Abou Tarek restaurant, a renowned spot for serving the dish, the staff expressed pride in the recognition, emphasising the role koshary plays in uniting Egyptians across all walks of life.
"Koshary truly deserves to be included in UNESCO, especially with the Egyptian people, so we can document Egyptian identity within UNESCO," said Ahmed Shaker, a public relations officer at Abou Tarek.
"Koshary is one of the pillars of Egyptian cuisine for all Egyptians, across all groups, it's not limited to any specific group; all Egyptians eat koshary," Shaker said.
In addition to Italy and Egypt, UNESCO’s Intangible Heritage list also saw the inclusion of several other vital cultural traditions.
India’s Diwali, the vibrant festival of lights, was added, underscoring the festival's significance to Indian culture and its widespread celebration across the globe.
Iceland’s distinctive swimming pool culture, known for its role in social interaction and community building, was also inscribed, reflecting the importance of public pools in Icelandic daily life.
UNESCO highlighted that all inscribed traditions, whether they relate to food, festivals, or other aspects of life, reflect “active community participation” and an ongoing commitment to preserving living heritage for future generations. This inclusion not only honours these practices but also ensures their continued recognition and protection in the face of modern challenges.
Celebration of heritage across borders
UNESCO’s latest additions to the Intangible Cultural Heritage list reinforce the idea that culture is living, evolving, and deeply tied to communities. Whether it’s Italy’s iconic dishes, Egypt’s beloved koshary, or India’s Diwali, these traditions represent the heartbeat of nations and the pride of their people. By recognising such traditions, UNESCO continues to promote the preservation of cultural identities while encouraging cross-cultural understanding and dialogue.
As these cultural elements join the ranks of UNESCO’s celebrated heritage, they are not only honoured for their historical and social significance but also positioned as vital parts of the future. The recognition of these traditions helps ensure that they will be cherished, celebrated, and passed down to future generations, continuing to shape the cultural landscape of the world.
Iran has ruled out direct talks with senior U.S. envoys in the Gulf, saying any contact will take place through Qatari mediators. Meanwhile, Steve Wit...
A U.S. federal judge has rejected Meta Platforms’ attempt to dismiss a lawsuit brought by 29 state attorneys general, clearing the way for claims th...
Britain said on Tuesday (30 June) it could intervene in Paramount Skydance Corp’s proposed $110 billion takeover of Warner Bros. Discovery, potentia...
Anti-Ukrainian sentiment in Poland has increased since early 2025, with many Ukrainians reporting growing hostility in public spaces, workplaces and s...
Start your day informed with the AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top stories for 1 July, covering the latest developments you need to know....
A severe heatwave sweeping across Europe has caused widespread disruption, with power outages reported in parts of France, emergency heat alerts issued in the United Kingdom and Spain, and growing pressure on energy and transport systems across the continent.
A war of words has erupted between Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Donald Trump after the U.S. President told Italian media that Meloni “begged” to take a photograph with him at the G7 summit earlier this week.
Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani has announced that Italy will reopen its embassy in Tehran on Friday (19 June), marking a rare reversal in a period of heightened regional instability and disrupted diplomatic ties across the Middle East.
Seven people have been arrested in Italy over suspected sabotage attacks on high-speed railway lines during the Winter Olympics earlier this year.
Iranian and U.S. negotiating teams were due in Doha this week, but Iran said on Monday no meeting had been scheduled as weekend missile fire from both sides tested the interim ceasefire to end the four-month-old war.
The U.S. and Iran have agreed to 'stand down' and resume technical talks, allowing vessels allowed to move freely under the interim peace deal, a U.S. official said.
Six adults were killed in a shooting at a youth welfare facility in northern Germany on Monday, with police detaining two people, including the suspected gunman.
Morocco held their nerve to beat the Netherlands on penalties after a dramatic late equaliser, Gabriel Martinelli spared Brazil's blushes with a stoppage-time winner against Japan, while Paraguay stunned Germany in the tournament's biggest shock to reach the World Cup last 16.
Mexico ended their 40-year wait for a World Cup knockout win, while Erling Haaland sent Norway through and Kylian Mbappé fired France into the last 16.
Britain said on Tuesday (30 June) it could intervene in Paramount Skydance Corp’s proposed $110 billion takeover of Warner Bros. Discovery, potentially delaying one of the largest media mergers in recent years despite approvals from the United States, China and several other major markets.
Science does not usually have much to do with K-pop. But a postgraduate student in southern China has found a way to bring the two together, and the result is now permanently written into the scientific record.
The wife and children of Argentine footballer Lucas Trejo were among around 1,700 people who died when two earthquakes struck northern Venezuela last week.
Manhattan prosecutors have moved to drop a third-degree rape charge against movie producer Harvey Weinstein after his accuser said she no longer wished to testify. The decision ended what could have been a fourth New York trial in the long-running sexual assault case.
Villagers took part in Dragon Boat Festival celebrations on 24 June in Foshan, Guangdong province, where traditional racing was held on the narrow, winding Diejiao River.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment