Asturian cider recognised as World Heritage
8 January, 2025UNESCO has declared Asturian cider culture as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, a recognition that underlines the importance of this tradition in the social and cultural life of Asturias. This announcement was made on 15 December 2024 at the annual meeting of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage in Nairobi, Kenya.
The candidacy was presented by the Govt. of the Principality of Asturias, with the support of various cider associations and groups. UNESCO highlighted the uniqueness of Asturian cider, not only for its production process, but also for the social practices and rituals that surround it, such as the ‘escanciado’ and the ‘espichas’, events where cider is shared and celebrated.
The process of making Asturian cider is traditional and has been handed down from generation to generation. It begins with the harvesting of native apples, which are then pressed to extract the must. This must ferments naturally in wooden casks, producing a drink with a unique flavour and aroma.