WILLEMSTAD – Member of Parliament Sheldry Osepa (PNP) has proposed that the Kadushi cactus dish, a traditional local delicacy made from the towering columnar cactus, be nominated for inclusion on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List. 

“Kadushi is a traditional dish with a rich cultural history that deserves international recognition,” said Osepa. “Its roots trace back to the Arawak Indigenous people, followed by consumption by the Spanish colonizers and later by enslaved Africans. The preparation is labor-intensive—from harvesting in the ‘knoek’ (countryside) to carefully removing the spines before it can even be cooked.” 

February 1 Deadline for UNESCO Application 

The deadline for submitting the application is February 1. In recent years, several countries have successfully applied to have their traditional foods recognized as national heritage. Examples include French gastronomy (2010), Neapolitan pizza (2017), and the baguette (2022). Other recognized items include Croatian honey cake, Belgian beer, Turkish bread, and Mongolian arak. 

“UNESCO recognition holds significant international value,” Osepa emphasized. “Since 1997, Curaçao’s city center and harbor have been recognized as World Heritage Sites. That designation has brought not only tourism and economic benefits but also a commitment to preservation and protection of our cultural assets.” 

Questions to Minister Van Heydoorn 

In a series of formal questions addressed to Minister Sithree ‘Cey’ van Heydoorn of Education, Science, Culture, and Sports (OWCS), Osepa is asking for the government’s position on the proposal and what policies are currently in place to manage the existing UNESCO World Heritage status of the historic city center. 

The MP hopes the kadushi dish can join the ranks of other globally recognized cultural traditions, enhancing awareness of Curaçao’s unique culinary and cultural identity on the world stage.