Sunday lunch in Italy - Pranzo della Domenica - is a cherished family ritual, serving as a central moment of the week when multiple generations come together for a hearty and traditional meal. This feast typically includes homemade or baked pasta, a roast or substantial main course, and a dessert made from scratch. More than just a meal, Sunday lunch is an experience that celebrates family unity and affection through cuisine, reflecting Italy's rich cultural heritage. This significance is underscored by the recent initiative to nominate Italian cuisine for UNESCO World Heritage status. The announcement was made during the "Sunday Lunch - Italians at the Table" event, where thousands of people sampled traditional dishes from across the country and at Italian embassies worldwide.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni highlighted the significance of traditional Sunday meals for the economy during her appearance on RAI's "Domenica In." She recalled spending Sundays with her grandparents and emphasised that Italian cuisine—worth about €250 billion worldwide—captures the essence of Italian culture and identity. Meloni underscored the need for this culinary heritage to receive proper recognition.
The special event of Pranzo della Domenica was celebrated parallel across major cities in Italy. As Italy's diverse geography and rich history creates a wide array of ingredients, dishes, and eating traditions. The history of food is closely linked to civilisation and culture. Italian cuisine reflects our society and connection to the land. Minister of Culture Alessandro Giuli stated, "We fully support the nomination of Italian cuisine as a UNESCO intangible heritage."
Carlo Conti, the famous host, was the guest of honor at a luncheon on Sunday, September 21, at Terrazza Mascagni, the spetacular waterfront piazza in Livorno. This event was organized by the Lem Foundation and supported by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Forestry, as well as the Ministry of Culture, to promote the candidacy of Italian Cuisine for UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. The final vote will take place in New Delhi on December 10, 2025. The luncheon was broadcasted live on Rai 1's program "Domenica In." In addition to Conti, notable guests included impersonator Dario Ballantini, athlete Ambra Sabatini, comedian Leonardo Fiaschi, basketball coach Walter De Raffaele, and singer Manuel Aspidi, with a total of around 80 guests attending.
This heritage of gestures, rituals, and social interaction unites generations and showcases the richness of local traditions through food across Italy. The Terrazza Mascagni in Livorno, with its beautiful sea view, served as an open-air venue for the lunch. It started at 12:30 PM, guests enjoyed a meal featuring Livorno's most famous dishes, including cacciucco (fish stew) and 5e5 (Ceci cake served in a traditional French pan); meant as an alternative to fish - poor men's fish.
Other specialties included spuma bionda (a type of white wine), crostini with ricotta, herring, pine nuts, and raisins, fried polenta (Scagliozzi) with fish ragù, Vittori punch cream, and small fried donuts (i frati) from the Frataio in Piazza Cavallotti. Chef Paola Picchi, the granddaughter of the renowned chef Armando, oversaw the meal, with the 5e5 prepared on-site by the Associazione Tortai Livornesi – CNA Livorno, which provided a dedicated oven for cooking. This initiative not only honored Italian cuisine but also celebrates local culture. Musical entertainment paid tribute to composer Pietro Mascagni, provided by the Goldoni Foundation. A string quartet with a harp will perform works by Mascagni, culminating in the famous intermezzo from "Cavalleria Rusticana."
Write a comment