From the spirituality of the nativity scene to the paths of taste: three new Italian nominations to UNESCO

After the success of Italian Cuisine, the Italian National Commission for UNESCO decided today, upon the proposal of the Ministry of Culture, to present three new nominations for inclusion in the intangible cultural heritage to the Paris-based Organization. Here are the dossiers in detail, made known by the Mic. THE NATIVITY SCENE: A TRADITION THAT UNITES CREATIVITY AND SPIRITUALITY.

The nomination "The nativity scene, from origins to cultural tradition, and the art of creating it" enhances the artistic creativity, craftsmanship, and popular spirituality of nativity scene communities, with contributions from the Italian Association of Friends of the Nativity Scene and the symbolic places of Greccio and Assisi.

The initiative, promoted by Italy with the participation of Spain and Uruguay, takes on special significance in the year marking the 800 years since the death of Saint Francis of Assisi. It was the Saint of Assisi who brought to life, in 1223 in Greccio, the first living representation of the Nativity, inspiring our nativity scene tradition. The anniversary provides a symbolic and spiritual framework of extraordinary relevance to the UNESCO nomination. Regarding the nomination, Minister of Culture, Alessandro Giuli, stated that the tradition of the Nativity Scene is "a qualifying element of Italian cultural identity, a social glue for our communities, and an excellent testimony of traditional artistic craftsmanship".

VALPOLICELLA: THE WINE-MAKING WISDOM AS CULTURAL HERITAGE The national nomination "The ritual of putting the Valpolicella grapes to rest" tells the tradition of drying grapes and the deep bond between community, landscape, and productive culture. The dossier, also intended for the Representative List, is the result of collaboration between SNODAR, the Valpolicella Wine Consortium, and academic institutions.

ALPINE FOOD HERITAGE: FOOD TRADITIONS AND INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION Italy is also participating in the multinational nomination "Alpine Food Heritage: Cultural Safeguarding Programs Promoted by Communities", coordinated by Switzerland with the participation of France and Slovenia, for the Register of Good Safeguarding Practices. The initiative collects traditional food practices from alpine communities and represents a virtuous model of international collaboration for the protection and transmission of local knowledge. Italy, which boasts the world record for the most UNESCO-recognized sites, is increasingly recognizing the importance of its cultural heritage. The nativity scene, represented by Saint Francis of Assisi, has given rise to a tradition that today celebrates artistic creativity and spirituality as universal values. The ritual of the resting of the grapes from Valpolicella expresses the deep bond between community, landscape, and productive culture. Finally, the Government continues to support the gastronomic value of Italian territories, from national cuisine to the knowledge of the Alps," stated Hon. Gianmarco Mazzi, Undersecretary of State for Culture with responsibility for UNESCO.

The UNESCO Office of the General Directorate for European and International Affairs of the Ministry of Culture has ensured technical and anthropological coordination on the preparation of the nomination dossiers, in conjunction with the proposing communities, confirming through the nominations of 2026 Italy's commitment to strengthening a cultural cooperation based on dialogue and shared safeguarding. The Board of Directors of the CNIU has expressed as priority and preferential nomination that of the "Nativity Scene" "as it represents the core of a path that enhances the plurality of Italian traditions and, at the same time, reaffirms the country's willingness to contribute to UNESCO processes, also supporting the paths of emerging countries and communities, in the perspective of inclusive cultural diplomacy attentive to the enhancement of shared traditions," emphasizes Mic.