UNESCO recognises Ukrainian Kobzar-Lirnyk tradition as heritage of humanity

The Programme for the Protection of the Kobzar-Lirnyk tradition was added to the UNESCO Register of Good Practices for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage at the 19th session of the UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage. 

Source: press service for Ukraine's Ministry of Culture and Strategic Communications

Quote: "This achievement is especially significant today, when our modern kobzars, like their ancestors in the Cossack times, support the morale of Ukrainian defenders and inspire them to fight for freedom and independence. Their music and words, as in the past, awaken people's faith, strength and invincibility."

Details: The ministry stated that this achievement was made possible through close cooperation between Ukraine's Ministry of Culture and Strategic Communications, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Permanent Delegation of Ukraine to UNESCO, the National Commission of Ukraine for UNESCO, kobzar workshops in Kyiv, Lviv and Kharkiv, and all interested organisations involved in the development of the programme.

Background: On 4 December, the Ukrainian pysanka (a decorated Easter egg) was recognised as an element of the cultural heritage of humanity at the 19th session of UNESCO's Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

For reference: The Kobzar-Lirnyk tradition is an integral part of Ukraine's musical and verbal heritage. In the past, it was performed by travelling blind singers and musicians – kobzars, lirnyks, and bandura players – and today, it is being revived by contemporary singers and instrumentalists.

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