The “repas gastronomique” (gourmet meal) of the French was added to UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list on Tuesday. According to the United Nation’s cultural organization French meals play an important social role and are part of the French identity.
“It is a festive meal bringing people together for an occasion to enjoy the art of good eating and drinking,” according to a statement of UNESCO.
According to the organization important elements of a typical French gourmet meal are “the pairing of food with wine, the setting of a beautiful table, and specific actions during consumption, such as smelling and tasting items at the table.”
Other cultural practices on the 231 item long cultural heritage list is the traditional art of Azerbaijani carpet weaving, the Kirkpinar oil wrestling festival in Turkey, and Castells human towers built during festivals in Catalonia.
“It is a festive meal bringing people together for an occasion to enjoy the art of good eating and drinking,” according to a statement of UNESCO.
According to the organization important elements of a typical French gourmet meal are “the pairing of food with wine, the setting of a beautiful table, and specific actions during consumption, such as smelling and tasting items at the table.”
Other cultural practices on the 231 item long cultural heritage list is the traditional art of Azerbaijani carpet weaving, the Kirkpinar oil wrestling festival in Turkey, and Castells human towers built during festivals in Catalonia.