Peruvian ceviche: cultural heritage of humanity and its socio-cultural significance

Abstract Peruvian ceviche is a traditional dish that represents a fusion of fresh ingredients from the sea and the land, as well as an element of relevance to the local economy and social cohesion. In December 2023, UNESCO inscribed the practices and meanings associated with the preparation and cons...

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Main Authors: Joaquín Aguirre-Sosa, María Luisa Dextre, Jorge Alberto Vargas-Merino
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: BMC 2025-04-01
Series:Journal of Ethnic Foods
Subjects:
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1186/s42779-025-00273-7
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author Joaquín Aguirre-Sosa
María Luisa Dextre
Jorge Alberto Vargas-Merino
author_facet Joaquín Aguirre-Sosa
María Luisa Dextre
Jorge Alberto Vargas-Merino
author_sort Joaquín Aguirre-Sosa
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Peruvian ceviche is a traditional dish that represents a fusion of fresh ingredients from the sea and the land, as well as an element of relevance to the local economy and social cohesion. In December 2023, UNESCO inscribed the practices and meanings associated with the preparation and consumption of ceviche on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This research aims to explore the socio-cultural significance of ceviche and its impact on Peruvian identity, examining its uses and customs, as well as the passion with which its flavours are preserved. Ceviche is a fundamental practice of Peruvian cultural identity, functioning as a gastronomic product that has led Peru to achieve worldwide recognition in cuisine. The acidic and fresh combination of its ingredients is the key to its appeal, attracting both locals and visitors. It highlights the fusion of ingredients from all regions of the country, which is seen as a reflection of inclusiveness and cultural diversity. This idea is clearly illustrated by ceviche, an emblematic dish with different versions in the coast, highlands and jungle of Peru. Beyond being a traditional dish, it is a symbol of cultural identity that transcends borders and unites the Peruvian people around its preparation and consumption. Its study allows us to understand how gastronomy becomes a vehicle for the preservation and transmission of knowledge, practices and meanings.
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publishDate 2025-04-01
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series Journal of Ethnic Foods
spelling doaj-art-b47cfadf085440df9d2a4c8039f5b4b92025-08-20T02:25:13ZengBMCJournal of Ethnic Foods2352-619X2025-04-0112111610.1186/s42779-025-00273-7Peruvian ceviche: cultural heritage of humanity and its socio-cultural significanceJoaquín Aguirre-Sosa0María Luisa Dextre1Jorge Alberto Vargas-Merino2Faculty of Business, School of Management, Universidad Privada del NorteAcademic Department of Nutrition, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San MarcosDepartment of ResearchInnovation and Social Responsibility, Universidad Privada del NorteAbstract Peruvian ceviche is a traditional dish that represents a fusion of fresh ingredients from the sea and the land, as well as an element of relevance to the local economy and social cohesion. In December 2023, UNESCO inscribed the practices and meanings associated with the preparation and consumption of ceviche on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This research aims to explore the socio-cultural significance of ceviche and its impact on Peruvian identity, examining its uses and customs, as well as the passion with which its flavours are preserved. Ceviche is a fundamental practice of Peruvian cultural identity, functioning as a gastronomic product that has led Peru to achieve worldwide recognition in cuisine. The acidic and fresh combination of its ingredients is the key to its appeal, attracting both locals and visitors. It highlights the fusion of ingredients from all regions of the country, which is seen as a reflection of inclusiveness and cultural diversity. This idea is clearly illustrated by ceviche, an emblematic dish with different versions in the coast, highlands and jungle of Peru. Beyond being a traditional dish, it is a symbol of cultural identity that transcends borders and unites the Peruvian people around its preparation and consumption. Its study allows us to understand how gastronomy becomes a vehicle for the preservation and transmission of knowledge, practices and meanings.https://doi.org/10.1186/s42779-025-00273-7CevichePeruvian gastronomyCulinary practicesTransmission of ancestral knowledgeIntangible cultural heritage
spellingShingle Joaquín Aguirre-Sosa
María Luisa Dextre
Jorge Alberto Vargas-Merino
Peruvian ceviche: cultural heritage of humanity and its socio-cultural significance
Journal of Ethnic Foods
Ceviche
Peruvian gastronomy
Culinary practices
Transmission of ancestral knowledge
Intangible cultural heritage
title Peruvian ceviche: cultural heritage of humanity and its socio-cultural significance
title_full Peruvian ceviche: cultural heritage of humanity and its socio-cultural significance
title_fullStr Peruvian ceviche: cultural heritage of humanity and its socio-cultural significance
title_full_unstemmed Peruvian ceviche: cultural heritage of humanity and its socio-cultural significance
title_short Peruvian ceviche: cultural heritage of humanity and its socio-cultural significance
title_sort peruvian ceviche cultural heritage of humanity and its socio cultural significance
topic Ceviche
Peruvian gastronomy
Culinary practices
Transmission of ancestral knowledge
Intangible cultural heritage
url https://doi.org/10.1186/s42779-025-00273-7
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AT marialuisadextre peruviancevicheculturalheritageofhumanityanditssocioculturalsignificance
AT jorgealbertovargasmerino peruviancevicheculturalheritageofhumanityanditssocioculturalsignificance