UN Honors Traditional Mexican Cuisine

NAIROBI, KenyaThe United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has proclaimed traditional Mexican cuisine an intangible cultural heritage in need of urgent safeguarding. This is the first year any national cuisine has been declared a part of UNESCO's World Heritage.

The designation was made Nov. 16 at a meeting of the intangible cultural heritage committee of UNESCO in Nairobi, Kenya. UNESCO now considers more than 200 cultural practices from all over the world as intangible" world treasures.

Traditional Mexican cuisine reflects a comprehensive cultural model of farming, community and ancestral practices, and culinary techniques. Native ingredients such as tomatoes, squashes, avocados, cocoa and vanilla make up some of the basic staples of Mexican cuisine and help create many of the regional and national identities.

"Mexican cuisine unveils the heart of all that is authentic to its people with a variety of dishes that create a unique blend of tradition and modern zest," said Alfonso Sumano, director of the Americas, Mexico Tourism Board. "Mexico is proud of its rich culinary heritage and is honored to be recognized by UNESCO."

Since 1987, Mexico has been recognized by UNESCO's World Heritage Committee as having 31 regional sites with outstanding universal value. These sites include the Ancient Mayan City of Calakmul, Whale Sanctuary of El Vizcaino, Historic Center of Mexico City and Xochimilco and the Pre-Hispanic City of Chichen-Itza.  Developed by UNESCO in 2003, "Intangible Cultural Heritage" reflects the traditions and living expressions passed down from generation to generation, such as oral traditions, performing arts, social practices, rituals and events. Encompassing the social and economic value of these inherited transmissions, intangible cultural heritage provides communities with a link to the past, through the present, and into the future.