The traditions of Donetsk Oblast are an integral part of Ukrainian cultural heritage, shaping our identity and reminding us of who we are, even in times of war. Despite the full-scale aggression of the Russian Federation, bearers of intangible heritage continue to preserve and promote unique elements of culture, promoting them internationally.
A recent meeting with Princess Anne of Great Britain, who visited Ukraine, was a landmark event. As part of the exhibition "Kherson. The Steppe Holds," held at the Kyiv Art Arsenal, she personally spoke with representatives of cultural communities from communities in Donetsk region that are currently under temporary occupation. The event was supported by the ERSTE Foundation and the Partnership for a Strong Ukraine Program, funded by the governments of the United Kingdom, Estonia, Canada, Norway, Finland, Switzerland, and Sweden.
Donetsk region once again demonstrated its significant presence in Ukraine's cultural space, presenting its unique traditions to the world as a manifestation of the resilience and spiritual strength of the Ukrainian people. The Avdiivka community, together with intangible heritage bearer Tetiana Pereverzeva, presented Princess Anne with the ancient ritual "Customs and techniques of preparing festive and memorial porridge in Avdiivka." This element, which has already been included in the regional and national lists of intangible cultural heritage, reveals the depth of Donetsk region's local identity and at the same time unites Ukrainians in their common roots.
Princess Anne listened with great interest to the story of the project "Porridge Traveling Across Ukraine," which is being implemented by the Avdiivka community in cooperation with the public organization "Power of Ideas."
The initiative aims not only to present culinary traditions, but also to restore historical memory, preserve intangible heritage, and strengthen cultural identity, which is preserved even in the most difficult times.
According to information from the regional administration's Department of Culture and Tourism
Photo: Andriy Tsykota