Art News

Mexicans Celebrate Food as Intangible Heritage

MEXICO CITY (AP).- The quesadilla had more zip Wednesday and the taco tasted just a bit sweeter as Mexico celebrated its food being put on the United Nations list of intangible cultural heritage, alongside the lofty art of eating in France. The U.N. Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization recognized everything from the growing of corn, beans and chilies to Mexican dishes prepared with grinding stones and mortars as an ancient process worth safeguarding in the face of encroaching global influences. “Collectives of female cooks and other practitioners devoted to raising crops and traditional cuisine … express community identity, reinforce social bonds, and build stronger local, regional and national identities,” said the committee of 24 countries that determines the list. The group, meeting in Kenya this week, announced additions to the list Tuesday that also included flamenco in Spain and carpet-weaving in Azerbaijan. UNESCO, known for designating world heritage sites s