UNESCO: Casabe as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity Representing Venezuela’s Cultural Richness
The inclusion of this heritage on the UNESCO list is a collective triumph that includes not only Venezuela but also other countries in the region, such as Honduras, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, and Haiti. Dec 4, 2024 Photo: @LeonettTomas
December 4, 2024 Hour: 9:44 pm
This multinational effort underscores the importance of Casabe as a shared cultural element that has survived through the centuries, even in the face of challenges imposed by colonization.
Related:
Gastronomy in Latin America and the Caribbean, a Cultural Mix
On December 4, Venezuela celebrated a significant milestone by receiving recognition of the Casabe as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity from UNESCO.
This announcement, made by President Nicolás Maduro during a meeting with the National Election Commission, not only highlights the importance of this traditional food but also fits into a broader narrative about Venezuelan identity and culture.
Casabe, a bread made from yucca, is much more than just food; it represents a deep connection with the indigenous and Caribbean roots of Venezuela.
The inclusion of this heritage on the UNESCO list is a collective triumph that includes not only Venezuela but also other countries in the region, such as Honduras, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, and Haiti.
This multinational effort underscores the importance of Casabe as a shared cultural element that has survived through the centuries, even in the face of challenges imposed by colonization.
President Maduro emphasized that this recognition is an achievement of the Bolivarian Revolution and a testament to the country’s commitment to preserving its cultural heritage. By stating that “Casabe is written with ‘C’ for Commune,” the president seeks to connect this food with a sense of community and collectivity—central values in the government’s ideology.
The statement suggests that Casabe is not only a food product but also a symbol of resistance and unity among the various communities that produce and consume it.
The Aquiles Nazoa Cultural House, mentioned by the president, stands as a vital center for promoting art and culture in Venezuela.
This space becomes a refuge for the country’s artists, where traditions and practices related to Casabe can be preserved and celebrated.
The reference to collective work in the elaboration of Casabe highlights the importance of family and community dynamics in its production, as well as the relevance of older generations who are carriers of ancestral knowledge.
Autor: MLM
Fuente: Venezuelan Presidential Press
