Mipaaf nominates espresso coffee as an intangible heritage of humanity by Unesco

The candidacy dossier of “The Italian espresso coffee between culture, ritual, sociality and literature in the emblematic communities from Venice to Naples” as an intangible heritage of humanity of Unesco was presented to the Ministry of Agriculture. This was announced by a note from the ministry. The candidacy dossier arises from the union of two previous dossiers, at the request of the Unesco National Commission, to arrive at a unified candidacy that would enhance the Italian traditions linked to one of the most popular drinks in the world and which from Naples to Venice has developed a history secular: the ritual and the Art of Italian Espresso Coffee, promoted by the Consortium for the protection of traditional Italian espresso coffee and The culture of Neapolitan Coffee between Rite and Sociality proposed by the emblematic Neapolitan community with the support of the Campania Region. The dossier will be examined on March 29 by the Italian National Commission for Unesco which will have to formally decide whether to send the application to Paris to obtain the registration of the Unesco site by 2022. “This candidacy stems from a virtuous path, which in some way demonstrates how it is possible to overcome differences: two different candidates that come together to reach their goal, for the recognition of the value of Italian espresso coffee as an intangible heritage of UNESCO. In fact, we recognize the value of the cup of coffee at all latitudes of our country. It is one of those important moments for Italy because we are able to make people understand what our excellences are and propose them to the international communities with seriousness and credibility perhaps like no other ”, underlined the minister, Stefano Patuanelli, who spoke at the presentation of the dossier. “For us, coffee is not just a product, it is something that unites a large family that is Italy. This candidacy is an important result because it was possible to make a synthesis, perhaps leaving a piece of the peculiarities of each one on the road but to unite the country. Venice and Naples are mentioned but we could have mentioned many other cities. The title of the candidacy dossier contains words that seem simple but that contain the essence of our culture, our life and our history “, underlined Undersecretary Gianmarco Centinaio, with delegation to Unesco.” The recognition of coffee would complete for the Campania Region the triptych with the Mediterranean diet and pizza. I am satisfied with the unified work done, a small miracle for our country, on coffee we have found a unifying line of understanding. A coffee is Italy in the world, there is a philosophy of life that represents us “, declared the President of the Campania Region Vincenzo De Luca.” In this particular moment in which we need to rediscover sociability and conviviality, we trust that We hope this project, which has been going on for several years, will reach the desired result and that the Italian National Commission of Unesco will be able to pass it on to Paris ”, finally concluded the President of the Consortium for the protection of traditional Italian espresso, Giorgio Caballini of Sassoferrato. On March 26, the national day of the “Rite of Italian espresso coffee”, the public subscription will start to support the Unesco candidacy.