The 10^th edition of the Week of Italian Cuisine in the World – titled Italian Cooking: Health, Culture and Innovation – which celebrated the richness and global appeal of Italy’s culinary heritage has concluded successfully, the Embassy of Italy in Manama, in collaboration with the Italian Trade Agency, announced.

The milestone edition – a programme of activities held annually all over the world since 2015 when it was launched by Italy’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Directorate General for Cultural and Economic Promotion and Innovation to celebrate the popularity and excellence of Italian food – showcased the richness of Italian gastronomy through a vibrant roster of events that combined tradition, innovation, sustainability and conviviality, reaffirming the candidacy of Italian cuisine to be inscribed on UNESCO’s List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. These events were rendered possible thanks to collaborations with The Domain Bahrain Hotel and Spa, Chtaura, Sitaf, Lulu, Smile Association, Chef Paolo Lucchesi and Del Bosco Restaurant.

Across all events, the edition showcased the colourful diversity of Italian gastronomy – from pizza and pastries to apericena and ravioli – while reaffirming its role as a bridge between tradition and innovation, health and sustainability, family and community.

“Italian cuisine is part of our uniqueness, something that unites us with the world,” said Ambassador Andrea Catalano.

“It is a heritage of health, culture and innovation, and we proudly support its candidacy as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. The Week of Italian Cuisine in the World is not only a gastronomic celebration, but also a cultural vehicle to defend and promote the authenticity of Italian food and wine against imitation and counterfeiting.”

The week was inaugurated with a lively pizza tasting event at Chtaura Bahrain, highlighting the art of Neapolitan pizza-making – already recognised by UNESCO – and celebrating Italian cuisine as a universal language of health, culture and social connection.

That was followed by a masterclass led by renowned Tuscan pastry chef Paolo Lucchesi on the beloved Torta della Nonna, (Grandma’s cake) recalling the values that make Italian cuisine unique: quality ingredients, simplicity and love. Chef Lucchesi’s dedication and creativity is a true symbol of ‘Made in Italy’.

Another warmly received initiative was the joyful pizza-making class for children from Smile of Bahrain was hosted at Lulu Hypermarket, with Chef Lucchesi guiding the young participants. The colourful event celebrated the transmission of culinary traditions across generations, while honouring the UNESCO-recognised art of the Neapolitan pizzaiuolo.

The week also introduced the famous Italian concept of the apericena for the first time, at The Domain Hotel, where Chef Lucchesi transformed ingredients into delicacies blending tradition with innovation. Guests enjoyed creations prepared with a sourdough starter dating back to 1964, symbolising continuity and heritage.

Also, in collaboration with the Mohamed bin Mubarak Al Khalifa Academy for Diplomatic Studies, Chef Marco Terranova conducted a masterclass on ravioli with ricotta and spinach, offering participants hands-on experience with one of Italy’s timeless recipes. The event emphasised Italian cuisine as a collective cultural model rooted in conviviality and respect for the land.

The week concluded with two Cinegastro events. The first was an evocative exhibition ‘Tales from the Roots’ at Del Bosco Ristorante, narrating the journey of Italian migrants who carried traditional dishes abroad, blending flavours with local cultures. Chef Mahmoud Said’s personal story beautifully mirrored this theme, embodying the spirit of Italian cuisine as a channel of love, memory and community.

The second and final event was the screening of Gualtiero Marchesi – The Great Italian at the Grazia Deledda Center, Royal University for Women. The screening was a cinematic tribute to one of the most iconic and extraordinary figures in Italian gastronomy: Gualtiero Marchesi. With his revolutionary vision, he opened new horizons and profoundly reshaped the culinary landscape. In fact, he is considered to be the father of modern Italian haute cuisine.

GO: Visit Ambasciata d’Italia Manama – Sito Ufficiale Ambasciata d’Italia a Manama for more information.