UNESCO Recognizes Ukrainian Kobzar Tradition as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity

UNESCO has officially recognized the Ukrainian Kobzar tradition as an integral part of the intangible cultural heritage of humanity, the Ministry of Culture and Strategic Communications of Ukraine has announced.

During the 19th session of the UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage, held on December 5 in Asunción, Paraguay, Ukraine's "Program for the Safeguarding of the Kobzar-Lirnyk Tradition" was added to the Register of Good Safeguarding Practices.

Minister of Culture and Strategic Communications Mykola Tochytskyi highlighted the significance of this achievement:

"For us, this is a recognition of our values, culture, uniqueness, and identity. This achievement will become part of our greater victory. Despite attempts by Russia, much like the imperial and Stalinist regimes of the past, to destroy everything connected to Ukrainian culture, our heritage stands as a testament to our resilience."

According to the Ministry, the Kobzar-Lirnyk tradition, deeply rooted in Ukrainian history, symbolizes the resilience and cultural identity of the nation.

Multiple Ukrainian cultural organizations, including Kobzar Guilds of Kyiv, Lviv, and Kharkiv, submitted the nomination in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture and other partners in 2023.

On December 3, UNESCO has officially recognized “Pysanka: Ukrainian Tradition and Art of Egg Decoration” as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.