Naples’ Pizza-Making Tradition Earns Unesco Heritage Status
Pizza: A Cultural Art in Naples
In Naples, Italy, pizza is more than just a convenient meal. It’s a cherished cultural art form, and its unique pizza-making process has recently been granted Unesco heritage status.
The art of “pizzaiuolo,” as it’s known in Naples, has been passed down through generations. It involves a specific set of techniques and traditions that create the perfect Neapolitan pizza.
The Pizzaiuolo’s Craft
To achieve the perfect Neapolitan slice, pizzaiuoli follow strict guidelines. The dough must be kneaded for at least 15 minutes and then left to rise for 12 hours. It’s then formed into balls and left to rise again.
The pizzaiuoli then stretch the dough by hurling it into the air, shape it into a circle, and sprinkle it with one of two types of toppings: marinara (tomato, oil, oregano, and garlic) or margarita (all of the aforementioned ingredients, plus basil and cheese).
The finished pizza is then cooked in an oven for just two minutes, resulting in an authentic Neapolitan pizza that tantalizes the taste buds.
Preserving the Tradition
To ensure the authenticity of Neapolitan pizza, the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana (VPN) has established specific guidelines that restaurants must adhere to in order to receive trademark approval.
Aspiring pizza-makers can take courses on pizzaiulo at academies in Naples, but many residents learn the art from family members. Pizza-making has become a “social ritual” in Naples, involving singing and storytelling.
Unesco Recognition
Naples’ pizza-making tradition earned Unesco heritage status in 2017, a testament to its cultural significance. The designation was met with jubilation in Naples, and pizza-makers celebrated by handing out free slices in the streets.
Other Intangible Heritage Traditions
Unesco’s 2017 intangible heritage list also included other fascinating practices, such as:
- Al-Qatt Al-Asiri, a Saudi Arabian wall-decorating tradition upheld by women
- Kumbh Mela, a sacred festival in India
- Whistled language in Turkey, which once facilitated communication in mountainous regions
Preserving Cultural Practices
Unesco’s intangible heritage list aims to highlight and protect unique cultural practices around the world. By recognizing the art of pizzaiuolo, Unesco has ensured that this cherished Neapolitan tradition will continue to thrive for generations to come.
