An Iconic French Specialty Was Granted UNESCO World Heritage Status

A baguette isn't just another bread loaf to some. To UNESCO it's a cultural icon.

UNESCO experts met in November to determine if the French bread merited a place on its list for intangible cultural heritage elements that should be preserved for future generations. The answer was a clear "yes."

"It is important that such craft knowledge and social practices can continue to exist in the future," Audrey Azoulay, a former French culture minister, and the U.N.'s cultural agency's chief shared with The Associated Press.

According to the AP, this decision was taken after the French cultural ministry had warned about a "continuous drop" in traditional bakeries. This would put key baking methods and recipes in danger.

It is not easy to get on the list. Azoulay stated that it took six years for French officials to gather all necessary documentation to complete the request for induction.

UNESCO offers six criteria to determine if an element makes it onto the list. These include that it "constitutes immaterial cultural heritage as defined by Article 2 of Convention" and that it "requires immediate safeguarding because its viability may be at risk despite efforts of the community."

"This will make people realize that this regular baguette that they know very well, is something precious," she added. "It comes from history and it has character and it's important to make the public aware of this, to be proud of it."

According to the AP, France's baguette has gained new status and the government is planning to establish a "baguette Day" to honor this carb-filled delight.

Baguettes aren't the only food items to be included in the list. CNN also lists Neapolitan Pizza, kimchi and Belgian Beer Culture as well as Arabic Coffee.

 

Source: travelandleisure.com