The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has included the traditional Haitian soup, which is considered a symbol of national independence, on the list of intangible cultural heritage.
Joumou soup is "much more than an ordinary dish," said Audre Azule, Director-General of UNESCO.
"It tells the story of the heroes and heroines of Haitian independence, their struggle for human rights and their hard-won freedom," she said.
The pumpkin-based soup became a symbol of things long forbidden to slaves while Haiti was a French colony until it gained independence on January 1, 1804, as the first country created by rebelling black slaves.
They celebrated their freedom by finally consuming the soup, and Haitians traditionally serve it on New Year's Day to commemorate the anniversary of their liberation from slavery.
The Intangible Heritage List aims to improve the visibility of the traditions and knowledge of communities around the world, from Arabic calligraphy to Italian truffle hunting.
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