Rome, Lazio, Italy – The iconic Colosseum in Rome was bathed in the vibrant colors of the Italian flag on Wednesday evening, December 10, 2025, to commemorate the official recognition of Italian cuisine as an intangible World Heritage by UNESCO. This symbolic illumination celebrated a momentous occasion for Italy’s rich culinary tradition.
A Night of National Pride and Culinary Celebration
The tricolor illumination of the Colosseum’s arches was activated by a distinguished group of officials, including Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Minister of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Forests Francesco Lollobrigida, and Minister of Culture Alessandro Giuli. Their presence underscored the national significance of this achievement.
Minister Lollobrigida expressed the collective sentiment of pride, stating, “It is a source of pride for all Italians. Cuisine unites us; many things divide us, but today Parliament welcomed with a choral applause a result built together with the Ministry of Culture, but which saw the participation of the entire Italian system: our producers, restaurateurs, front-of-house staff, and anyone in the world who could participate, along with diplomacy. It means valuing more and selling better, starting again in a more equitable way, creating wealth and jobs. This is the goal we have set ourselves, and it is another piece of this mosaic.”
“Italian Cuisine, the First in the World”
In addition to the tricolor lights, the phrase “La cucina italiana, la prima al mondo” (Italian cuisine, the first in the world) was projected onto the facade of the ancient amphitheater, further emphasizing the nation’s pride in its gastronomic heritage.
Minister Giuli likened the news to a major sporting victory, remarking, “Today, when I heard the news, I reacted as when you win the World Cup. Italian cuisine is world champion, and imagine how Italians exult when trophies of such importance are won. They have duly recognized Italian cuisine as an intangible World Heritage in its characteristic form and also as a great phenomenon that represents our cultural identity: thousands of years of knowledge, skills, loves, and liturgies around a table that characterize our people.”
The Broader Impact of UNESCO Recognition
This UNESCO designation is expected to have a significant positive impact on Italy’s economy and cultural standing. It highlights the intricate connection between Italian food, its producers, restaurateurs, and the global diplomatic efforts that contributed to this recognition. The emphasis on creating wealth and jobs through the valorization of Italian cuisine reflects a strategic vision for the future.
The celebration in Rome coincided with other notable culinary achievements in the capital. Recent reports, such as “Stelle Michelin, Roma Capitale (anche) dell’alta cucina: dalla Rossa riconoscimenti per 20 ristoranti” by Natalia Distefano, indicate Rome’s growing prominence in the fine dining scene, with 20 restaurants receiving recognition from the Michelin Guide.
Political Reactions and Public Engagement
The event also garnered attention from political figures. While Prime Minister Meloni’s participation was a key highlight, there were also discussions surrounding a televised lunch, with figures like Schlein and M5S commenting on its electoral implications, and Rai defending it as a public service, as reported by Antonella Baccaro. Such discussions underscore the broad public and political interest in Italian cuisine.
The recognition by UNESCO is not merely an accolade but a testament to the enduring legacy and global influence of Italian culinary traditions. It serves as a call to further promote and preserve the authentic flavors and practices that define Italian food culture.
Beyond the grand celebrations, initiatives like “A Natale (anche) la farina è solidale: l’iniziativa di Frontoni per l’Associazione Italiana Sclerosi Multipla” by pizzaiolo and director Daniele Frontoni demonstrate how even local culinary efforts can contribute to social causes, raising funds for the Italian Multiple Sclerosis Association and celebrating regional excellence.
This historic moment for Italian cuisine, marked by the illuminating spectacle at the Colosseum, reinforces Italy’s position as a global leader in gastronomy and cultural heritage.
Source: https://roma.corriere.it/notizie/cronaca/25_dicembre_10/cucina-italiana-il-colosseo-illuminato-per-celebrare-il-riconoscimento-unesco-ad52b5d7-4aa8-4086-b72f-0e346411dxlk.shtml
