UNESCO: Italy nominates the Nativity scene, Valpolicella grapes and Alpine culinary heritage

Turin, 19 March (LaPresse) – Following the success of Italian cuisine, the Italian National Commission for UNESCO decided today, on the recommendation of the Ministry of Culture, to submit three new nominations to the Paris-based organisation for inclusion on the Intangible Cultural Heritage list. The dossiers highlight the vitality of Italian communities and their ability to preserve and pass on unique cultural practices. The Nativity scene: a tradition combining creativity and spirituality. Valpolicella: winemaking expertise as cultural heritage. The national nomination ‘The ritual of drying Valpolicella grapes’ recounts the tradition of grape drying and the deep bond between community, landscape and productive culture. Alpine Food Heritage: food traditions and international cooperation. Italy is also participating in the multinational nomination ‘Alpine Food Heritage: community-led cultural safeguarding programmes’, coordinated by Switzerland with the participation of France and Slovenia, for the Register of Good Safeguarding Practices. The initiative brings together traditional food practices of Alpine communities and represents a virtuous model of international collaboration for the protection and transmission of local knowledge.