December 5, 2023, Kasane, Botswana – In a significant decision highlighting the culinary richness of Peru, the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of UNESCO has inscribed the preparation and consumption of ceviche on its Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

This recognition, announced during the committee’s meeting in Kasane, Botswana, marks ceviche as the twelfth element of Peru on the list, and the first to highlight the country’s vast culinary culture covering its entire territory.

UNESCO’s Representative in Peru, Guiomar Alonso Cano, stated: “We celebrate this recognition that emphasizes the cultural and sustainable value of ceviche, a dish that symbolizes the union of artisanal fishing, sustainable agriculture, and social cohesion in Peru.”

The Ministry of Culture of the Peruvian State highlighted that ceviche, a traditional dish prepared with raw fish and lemon, not only represents the diversity of Peruvian cuisine but also the practices and knowledge passed down through generations.

This dish, which varies in its regional recipes, has become a symbol of Peruvian cultural identity, enjoyed in both family settings and social celebrations, as well as in cevicherías.

Mariana Escobar, FAO Representative in Peru, remarked: “Ceviche is a testament to Peru’s agrobiodiversity heritage, combining ingredients from all regions of the country.”

The Ministry of Culture worked closely with farmers, fishermen, and traditional cooks for the nomination, highlighting ceviche as an essential part of the Peruvian agri-food system.

Peru’s Minister of Culture, Leslie Urteaga Peña, commented: “This inscription not only strengthens our national identity but also promotes the sustainability of our resources and the local economy.”

The #PeruIsCeviche campaign, part of a multiplatform strategy, aims to share the richness of the ceviche tradition and its role in Peruvian identity, fostering national pride and international recognition.