Mediterranean Diet

Inscribed in 2013 on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, the Mediterranean diet involves a set of skills, knowledge, rituals, symbols and traditions concerning crops, harvesting, fishing, animal husbandry, conservation, processing, cooking, and particularly the sharing and consumption of food.

Eating together is the foundation of the cultural identity and continuity of communities throughout the Mediterranean basin. It is a moment of social exchange and communication, an affirmation and renewal of family, group or community identity.

The Mediterranean diet emphasizes values of hospitality, neighbourliness, intercultural dialogue and creativity, and a way of life guided by respect for diversity.

Women play an important role in transmitting knowledge of the Mediterranean diet: they safeguard its techniques, respect seasonal rhythms and festive events, and transmit the values of the element to new generations.

Markets also play a key role as spaces for cultivating and transmitting the Mediterranean diet during the daily practice of exchange, agreement and mutual respect.

Seven emblematic communities comprise the representation for this cultural heritage: Cyprus, Croatia, Spain, Greece, Italy, Morocco, and Portugal. These communities both protect the history and cultural assets of this heritage, as well as help to promote its values ​​and practices throughout the world.