UNESCO recognizes Ukrainian kobza and wheel lyre tradition as world cultural heritage

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has recognized the Ukrainian kobza and wheel lyre tradition as part of the world’s cultural heritage. 

The decision was made during the 19th session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage in the Paraguayan capital of Asunción that is taking place on Dec. 2-7.

“This recognition is of great significance for Ukrainian culture, which continues to fight, both within Ukraine and beyond its borders, to showcase its strength, presence, and resilience,” said Andrés Baranski, head of the Prosvita Ukrainian Cultural Association of the Republic of Paraguay, in a comment to the Ukrainian World Congress (UWC).

The UNESCO cultural designation followed “meticulous and ongoing efforts” by a Ukrainian initiative group that began in August 2022, according to Ukraine’s Ministry of Culture and Strategic Communications. 

“In the second half of 2022, the kobza and wheel lyre tradition was included in the National List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Ukraine,” the Ministry added.

This marks the third Ukrainian item that was included into UNESCO’s cultural heritage list, with the hearty, rustic beet-root borshch soup and decorated pysanka eggs also now in the collection. 

Several civic organizations were the driving force behind the kobza’s inclusion into the UNESCO list, having submitted the application in 2023.

Baranski added that Ukrainians in Paraguay – some of whom are in the fourth and fifth generations – “continue to preserve their language, traditions, and culture in every sense.”

“From religious practices to gastronomy, dance, language, and above all, an unwavering love for the homeland,” Baranski said. “Ukraine, this recognition holds tremendous value for everyone who contributes daily to keeping our traditions strong and deeply rooted.” 

On Dec. 3, UNESCO also recognized the Ukrainian tradition and art of egg decoration as part of the world’s cultural heritage and two years ago borshch was included as well.