Nicosia: Commandaria wine was included in UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage List, as announced by the Deputy Ministry of Culture and the Cyprus National Commission for UNESCO. The decision was taken by UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage during their meeting in New Delhi.
According to Cyprus News Agency, Deputy Minister of Culture Dr. Vasiliki Kassianidou described the inclusion as a significant decision for Cyprus and its culture, emphasizing its impact on the Commandaria villages. She highlighted the international recognition of a tradition that transcends gastronomy, acknowledging the dedication of the winegrowers from the 14 Commandaria villages and the enduring cultural heritage that spans thousands of years. Dr. Kassianidou noted that the recognition opens new avenues for development, aligned with a strategy focused on the protection, promotion, and proper utilization of cultural heritage, thereby supporting the traditions of Cyprus.
President of the Cyprus National Commission for UNESCO, Dr. Marina Solomidou Ieronymidou, stated that Commandaria is more than a local product; it serves as a symbol of identity and collective memory, intricately linked to the region, its inhabitants, and its customs. Academic Dr. Angel Nikolaou Konnari, representing the Deputy Ministry at the UNESCO Intergovernmental Conference, expressed optimism that the pride stemming from Commandaria’s recognition will inspire younger generations to follow in the footsteps of the older generation of viticulturists, winemakers, and wine enthusiasts.
Cyprus now has seven inscribed items on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage. These include Lefkaritika embroidery (2009), tsiattista songs (2011), the Mediterranean Diet (2013), the art of dry stone masonry (2018), Byzantine chanting (2019), midwifery (2023), and Commandaria wine (2025). Additionally, the International Tocat¬ Festival and the Traditional Games of Cyprus were included in the List of Good Practices for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2022.