Can't read it? Listen now!
ASUNCIÓN, Paraguay (Haiti Wire) – Traditional knowledge and practices surrounding cassava bread production, a vital cultural tradition across the Caribbean and Latin America, have been added to UNESCO’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The announcement was made on December 4 during the 19th session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, held in Asunción, Paraguay.
The recognition, a collaborative effort involving Haiti, the Dominican Republic, Cuba, Honduras, and Venezuela, highlights the historical and cultural significance of cassava. Haiti’s ambassador to UNESCO, Louis Marie Montfort Saintil, welcomed the decision, calling the preservation of cassava traditions essential for bolstering community resilience in the face of modern challenges.
Cassava’s inclusion marks another milestone for Haitian cultural heritage, joining other UNESCO-recognized elements such as soup joumou, the legacies of Catherine Flon and Suzanne Comhaire-Sylvain, and the Bois Caïman site. Ambassador Saintil noted that this acknowledgment reinforces the importance of cultural preservation as a cornerstone of Haiti’s identity.
Dominique Dupuy, Haiti’s Permanent Delegate to UNESCO, underscored the significance of culinary traditions in her remarks at the session. “These traditions are a reflection of our identity and history,” she said. Dupuy also revealed plans for the evaluation of kompa music in 2025 for potential inclusion on UNESCO’s list, signaling Haiti’s continued commitment to safeguarding its living heritage.
The joint recognition of cassava by five nations highlights its cultural and historical importance throughout the region. Beyond its role as a dietary staple, cassava embodies centuries of knowledge, community practices, and culinary ingenuity. The nomination, initially submitted in 2023, celebrates these shared traditions and the unifying role of food in preserving cultural heritage.
H.E. Nancy Ovelar de Gorostiaga, Paraguay’s ambassador to UNESCO and chair of the session, praised the collaborative efforts that brought cassava to global attention. The committee’s recognition is part of an ongoing effort to safeguard intangible cultural practices threatened by globalization and other challenges.
“This inscription reaffirms our commitment to celebrating and preserving living heritage,” Dupuy added. “Each dish, song, and dance tells the story of who we are.”
The 19th session of the committee continues until December 7, with additional nominations under review.
