Italian Opera Singing Recognized as Cultural Heritage by Unesco

The United Nations' cultural heritage list now includes Italian opera singing, according to Unesco, the UN culture agency. Italian opera, which originated in the late 1500s and early 1600s in Florence, has been recognized for its combination of costume, drama, and music. Known for its intricate plots, elaborate staging, and virtuoso singing, Italian opera has joined other renowned Italian practices like pizza-making and scaling the Alpine peaks. Italy's Culture Minister, Gennaro Sangiuliano, celebrated the decision, stating that it confirms opera singing as a global excellence. Unesco described Italian opera as a controlled method of singing that enhances the power of the voice in acoustic spaces, promoting collective cohesion, sociocultural memory, free expression, and intergenerational dialogue. The accolade comes just before the traditional inauguration of the 2023-24 season at Italy's La Scala opera house. With around 60 opera houses across the country, Italy holds the record for the most worldwide. Renowned opera singers like Luciano Pavarotti have been elevated to the status of major stars. Italian soprano Carmela Remigio highlighted how opera and its librettos have contributed to the preservation of the Italian language. Unesco also added various other customs and traditions to humanity's intangible cultural heritage, including Peruvian ceviche, Bangladeshi rickshaw painting, Uzbek ceramic crafts, and loincloth weaving in Ivory Coast.