UNESCO recognizes cassava bread as a Cultural Heritage of Humanity

The recognition highlights the cultural value of casabe, a traditional Caribbean food that is used in Cuba as a substitute for bread due to the ongoing shortage of wheat flour.

Casabe (Imagen de referencia) © Prensa Latina
Casabe (Reference image)Photo © Prensa Latina

UNESCO announced this Wednesday the inclusion of the traditional knowledge and practices related to the preparation and consumption of casabe in the list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, highlighting its significance as a symbol of identity and social cohesion in Caribbean communities.

The proposal, jointly presented by the Dominican Republic, Cuba, Haiti, Honduras, and Venezuela, was approved during the nineteenth session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage, held at the organization's headquarters, according to Prensa Latina.

Casabe, a round bread made from bitter cassava—a widely known tuber with unique potential for human sustenance—reflects a cultural legacy that combines Indigenous and African roots, passed down both in homes and educational settings.

According to UNESCO, this tradition promotes values such as tolerance, mutual respect, and unity, in addition to contributing to food security and the economic sustenance of thousands of families in the region.

In addition to its cultural value, the inscription highlights the role of casabe in promoting peace and dialogue among communities, establishing it as a key element of Caribbean cultural identity.

According to a statement from UNESCO, cited by Prensa Latina, in the case of Cuba, farmers are the primary bearers of the tradition of casabe, serving as local producers.

In Haiti, cassava is deeply rooted in families, both in urban neighborhoods and rural communities.

In the Dominican Republic, farmers uphold traditional methods of production while enriching them with creativity.

Venezuela has different characteristics, as the organization of cassava production varies from one community to another.

Casabe serves as an identity reference in our communities and holds significant symbolic value, emotionally connecting its consumers and producers with their memories and places of origin, concluded the statement from the Regional Office of UNESCO in Havana.

In 2023, the Cuban government requested the recognition of casabe as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of UNESCO, with national specialists participating in the preparation of the first multinational file of its kind in Latin America.

The Cuban government, which has been promoting the consumption of cassava bread as an alternative to the shortage of wheat flour, joined at that time the initiative from the Dominican Republic to prepare a multinational file for the traditional production and consumption of cassava bread, submitted to UNESCO.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Recognition of Casabe as Cultural Heritage

Why did UNESCO recognize casabe as a Cultural Heritage of Humanity?

UNESCO recognized casabe for its significance as a symbol of identity and social cohesion in Caribbean communities, highlighting its role in promoting values such as tolerance, mutual respect, and unity, as well as its contribution to food security and the economic livelihood of thousands of families in the region.

Which countries participated in the casabe proposal to UNESCO?

The proposal was jointly presented by the Dominican Republic, Cuba, Haiti, Honduras, and Venezuela. Each of these countries contributed its perspective and experience in the preparation and consumption of casabe, highlighting its cultural and social significance within their respective communities.

How does casabe contribute to the cultural identity of the Caribbean?

Casabe is a bread made from bitter cassava that reflects a cultural legacy with indigenous and African roots. This food serves as an identity marker, emotionally connecting its consumers and producers to their memories and places of origin, while promoting dialogue and peace among communities.

What role do Cuban farmers play in the tradition of casabe?

In Cuba, farmers are the primary bearers of the tradition of casabe, acting as local producers who keep traditional production practices alive despite the economic difficulties and resource shortages on the island.

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