October 17 marks International Day for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage. This is an opportunity to reflect on the value of the traditions, customs, folk art, and knowledge that shape the cultural identity of Ukrainians. In times of war, preserving this heritage takes on special significance: through our traditional songs and recipes, we preserve the memory of our roots, the connection between generations, and what makes us part of a shared history.
On the eve of this date, as part of the national project “Side by Side: United Communities,” an online event titled “Tasting Traditions: The Culinary Heritage of the Velykonovosilky and Teplitsa Communities” was held, organized by cultural representatives from both communities.
The Velykonovosilkovska community in Donetsk Oblast introduced participants to the dishes “Plakopsy” and “Zamyanka—Lemko milk porridge,” while the Teplitska community in Vinnytsia Oblast presented “Badzonyu,” pastries filled with sweet cheese, and uzvar. The musical program featured performances by the “Namysto” folk vocal ensemble, which had been based at the Velykonovosilky Village House of Culture until the full-scale invasion.
A cultural partnership is an opportunity not only to share traditions but also to get to know one another better. When communities from different regions share their histories, customs, and cultural heritage, mutual understanding and a sense of commonality emerge among people. It is precisely through such interactions that a sense of unity grows—the realization that, despite distance and differing experiences, we are part of one country and share a collective responsibility for preserving its cultural heritage.
Based on materials from the Velykonovosilky Settlement Military Administration