The decision on December 10 in New Delhi. “Vai Italia”, Al Bano’s song, accompanies the
candidacy.
Italian cuisine is preparing to take a historic step: officially entering the Heritage
Unesco Intangibles of Humanity. The verdict will arrive on December 10 in New Delhi, but
meanwhile, Italy is mobilizing to celebrate the most authentic heart of its identity: the table.
To support the candidacy, the Ministries of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Forestry
and Culture, together with the ANCI, organized a major event for Sunday 21 September
national: “Sunday lunch – Italians at the table”.
A moment of collective sharing, from north to south, where each city will become the scene of a ritual
ancient that resists time: that of meeting together around a traditional dish.
“We are not applying a recipe, but a ritual” – explained Minister Francesco Lollobrigida. – “A
gesture that tells who we are: from the choice of foods to the preparation, until that sacred moment in
who we talk about food while sharing it.”
A heritage that speaks to the world
Italian cuisine is not just a national issue. It is a universal language, which unites beyond
60 million Italians abroad and millions of people around the world who are inspired by our way of life.
Precisely for this reason, the initiative will have an international scope, also involving embassies
italian in London, Paris and New York, where the flavors and symbols of our culture will be celebrated
gastronomic.
“Italy is a mosaic of flavours and rites that tell its history and territory,” recalled the
minister of Culture Alessandro Giuli. – “From peasant lunch to starred haute cuisine, every gesture
at the table it reflects our civilization. This is why we strongly support this candidacy:
italian cuisine has always been a living culture.”
From the table to television
The day of September 21st will be told live on RAI 1 with a special of “Domenica In”
dedicated to UNESCO, in connection with Italian squares. Protagonists not just chefs and citizens,
but also well-known faces from culture, sport and entertainment, called to tell what
it means, for an Italian, “being at the table”.
The soundtrack of a dream
The song “Vai Italia” gives voice and rhythm to the candidacy, performed by Al Bano together with
children of the Little Choir of Caivano and the Antoniano.
The song, premiered at the Ministry of Culture, is signed by Mogol, produced by Fio
Zanotti and accompanied by the artistic direction of Friar Giampaolo Cavalli.
A hymn of hope and pride, celebrating the Italy of conviviality and rebirth.
A ritual that represents us
It’s not just about food. But of memory, identity and relationship.
Every Sunday, for generations, Italian families have gathered to share not just a meal,
but a sense of belonging. This is what Italy brings before UNESCO: the sacredness of
convivium, the culture of hospitality, the beauty of shared time.
If the decision of December 10th is positive, Italian Cuisine will become the first in the world
get this recognition.
An achievement that does not only concern those who cook, but those who, every day, choose to make the table a
love gesture.