French baguette bread and Cuban rum share honors in Paris

In a meeting of cultures and traditions, French baguette bread and Cuban rum shared space in Paris to celebrate the inclusion of the knowledge of their creators in the intangible cultural heritage of humanity.

Two different and geographically distant products stood out for a value that transcends generations, that of representing a symbol of identity for the peoples who embrace the knowledge of men and women committed to perpetuating it for the delight of millions of palates.

Invited to the Cuban embassy in France, master bakers, artisans of baguette bread and Cuban masters of light rum received the recognition of diplomats, parliamentarians, specialists and the public present at an event that strengthened the ties between the two countries.

Ambassador Otto Vaillant considered it an honor to receive the bearers whose knowledge was recognized in November by UNESCO as intangible cultural heritage of humanity.

These are cultural and patrimonial symbols of identity of our peoples, he said at the meeting, accompanied by the island’s Deputy Minister of Culture Kenelma Carvajal and the Cuban and French ambassadors to Unesco Yahima Esquivel and Véronique Roger-Lacan, respectively.

Vaillant pointed out that baguette bread is the most appreciated bread on French soil and is admired worldwide as a standard of French gastronomy, while Cuba’s light rum -also globally renowned- is a genuine expression of Cuban culture.

For the president of the National Confederation of French Bakery and Confectionery, Dominique Anract, baguette bread and Cuban light rum have much in common, especially because of the art passed down from generation to generation of mixing ingredients to obtain aspects, aromas, tastes and textures adored by many.

Likewise, they are products that contribute to the visibility of both countries, so we are proud to celebrate together the victory of the inscription in the intangible heritage of humanity, he said.