Since this week, couscous is officially on the Unesco list of intangible cultural heritage. The application from Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia and Mauritania has been approved because the preparation and consumption of couscous is an important part of the culture in North Africa, according to UNESCO.
“Couscous is a dish that characterizes these four countries, and goes even further than that: there is no wedding, party or family gathering without couscous,” it says. Unesco’s website. “Couscous is more than a dish: it is a moment, memories, traditions, gestures that are passed on from generation to generation.”
That’s certainly true, says TV chef Mounir Toub. “In North African culture, food is not only about feeding, but also about social gathering. When couscous is made, it is almost an entire event, all together.”
The four countries submitted the application to UNESCO in 2018 and received approval last week. It comes at a good time, says correspondent Samira Jadir. because the relationship between Morocco and Algeria is under pressure. “Then it is special that the emphasis is now on positive cooperation.”
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