Intangible Cultural Heritage of Ukraine

Intangible cultural heritage (Ukrainian: Нематеріальна культурна спадщина) are elements of the cultural heritage of Ukraine which are abstract and must be learned, encompassing traditional knowledge including festivals, music, performances, celebrations, handicrafts, and oral traditions.

Starting from 2013, five items are inscribed on the UNESCO registry of Ukraine's Intangible Cultural Heritage as of July 2022, and five items — Ukrainian pysanka, safeguarding of the kobzar-lirnyk tradition, technology of white-on-white embroidery in Reshetylivka, Polissian dudka-vykrutka, and safeguarding of the tradition of the Generous Evening — were nominated in 2023 and 2024.

The Ministry of Culture of Ukraine has also formed the National Inventory of Elements of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Ukraine.

National Inventory of Elements of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Ukraine
As of May 2024, ninety-seven items are inscribed in the National Inventory of Elements of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Ukraine. The list is divided into five sections.

Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding
The inventory includes elements of intangible cultural heritage that are under threat of disappearing due to hostilities, consequences of temporary occupation, natural impacts, or temporary displacement of population.

Inventory of Proper Practices of Safeguarding Intangible Cultural Heritage
The inventory accredits communities and organizations that help to preserve intangible cultural heritage.

Inventory that Represents the Culture of Indigenous Peoples of Ukraine
The inventory highlights elements of intangible cultural heritage that belong to indigenous peoples of Ukraine, which include Crimean Tatars, Crimean Karaites, and Krymchaks.

There also exists the Inventory of Elements that Have Been Revived due to the Disappearance of Tradition, but there are currently no items on the list.