The regional council of the Campania region, whose capital is Naples, is seeking to have the "culture of Neapolitan espresso coffee" registered on the UNESCO list of Intangible Cultural Heritage. The bid, signed by Campania president Vincenzo De Luca, has been sent to Italy's Commission for UNESCO, reports Italian news agency ANSA.

"Coffee in Italy is not only a drink but it expresses a true culture, an entirely Neapolitan ritual that has given birth to traditions spread everywhere, such as that of caffè sospeso that evokes the sense of hospitality, solidarity and conviviality."