NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) -- Spain's flamenco dance, the Mediterranean diet and Chinese acupuncture were all added to the U.N.'s list of intangible cultural heritage on Tuesday. (Scroll down for photos)
The gastronomic meal of the French, a customary social practice for celebrating events such as births, weddings, and birthdays, was also adopted by UNESCO's Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage.
The UNESCO committee maintains a list of practices from around the world that contribute to spreading the knowledge of intangible cultural heritage and promoting awareness of its importance. Before Tuesday there were 166 elements from 77 countries on the list. The committee is debating 51 new nominations this week.
Also joining the list alongside acupuncture was the traditional Chinese medicine technique called moxibustion.
The nomination of the Mediterranean diet came from Spain, Greece, Italy and Morocco.
In Italy, the farm lobby Coldiretti organized in Rome a "Maxispaghettata" to celebrate Tuesday's announcement.
The mayor of Rome, Gianni Alemanno, tasted the first dish of spaghetti with Italian tomatoes, basil and extra virgin olive oil. Tourists also joined in.
"We try to follow the Mediterranean diet because it's healthier and we believe the products used in it are to be preserved," said Josephine O'Reilly, who was visiting Rome from Dublin, Ireland. "Even if the originals could cost more than others, they are totally worth their prices."
See photos of some of the items added here:
UN List Of Intangible Cultural Heritage
Ojkanje Singing (01 of12)
Open Image ModalFound in the Croatian regions of the Dalmatian hinterland, the Ojkanje is performed by two or more singers using a distinctive voice-shaking technique created by the throat. Each song lasts as long as the lead singer can hold his or her breath. (credit:Getty)
Chinese Acupuncture (02 of12)
Open Image ModalHere, a Chinese man undergoes acupuncture -- the procedure of inserting and manipulating needles into various points on the body to relieve pain or for therapeutic purposes -- to battle obesity. (credit:Getty )
Chinese Junk Technology(03 of12)
Open Image ModalThe watertight-bulkhead technology of Chinese junks developed in southern China’s Fujian province. This technology permits the construction of ocean-going vessels with watertight compartments. (credit:Getty )
Mediterranean Diet (04 of12)
Open Image ModalThe Mediterranean diet is a modern nutritional recommendation inspired by the traditional dietary patterns of poor coastal regions of southern Italy, Crete, and Greece in the 1960s. (credit:Getty )
Spanish Flamenco Dancing (05 of12)
Open Image ModalGypsy, Byzantine, Sephardic and Moorish elements have often been cited as influences in the development of Spanish flamenco dance. (credit:Getty )
French Gastronomic Meal (06 of12)
Open Image ModalThe traditional gastronomic meal of the French, a customary social practice for celebrating events such as births, weddings, and birthdays over a festive meal, was also adopted. (credit:Getty )
Chinese Moxibustion (07 of12)
Open Image ModalIn this traditional Chinese therapy, practitioners burn the fluff or process it further into a stick that resembles a cigar, which can be used indirectly, with acupuncture needles, or sometimes burnt it on a patient's skin. (credit:Getty )
Spanish Castellers (08 of12)
Open Image ModalPeople form a human tower or "Castellers" during the Saint Merce celebrations, a Catalan tradition, in San Jaime square. (credit:AP )
Carpet Weaving In Azerbaijan(09 of12)
Open Image ModalAzerbaijan has long been known as a center of carpet weaving, and the tradition itself is believed to date as far back as to the 2nd millennium B.C. (credit:Getty)
Turkish Oil Wrestling(10 of12)
Open Image ModalThe Turkish national sport is sometimes known as "grease wrestling," because the wrestlers douse themselves with olive oil. (credit:Getty File )
Mexico's Day Of The Dead (11 of12)
Open Image ModalThe Mexican holiday takes place on Nov. 2, and focuses on gatherings of family and friends to pray for and remember loved ones who have passed on. (credit:Getty )
Croatian Gingerbread Making (12 of12)
Open Image ModalTraditional Croatian "Licitar Hearts" are made of gingerbread and decorated with sugar, and have been adopted as a Valentine's Day gift in many Western nations. (credit:AP )
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