Ukrainian embassy hosts cultural event in Prague, showcasing borshch as UNESCO heritage
Photo source: Facebook / Embassy of Ukraine in the Czech Republic
A cultural and gastronomic event organized by the Embassy of Ukraine took place in the Czech capital, during which Ukrainian borshch was presented as an element of UNESCO's intangible cultural heritage, and a pop-up show of Ukrainian designers was held.
The Ukrainian diplomatic mission reported on the event on Facebook, according to Rubryka.
Ukrainian Ambassador Vasyl Zvarych noted that in 2022 Ukrainian borshch was included in the UNESCO list of intangible cultural heritage.
Photo source: Facebook / Embassy of Ukraine in the Czech Republic
"This decision was of particular importance, as it was made during a full-scale Russian invasion – a war aimed at the destruction of the Ukrainian nation and our culture. The other day, a Russian drone destroyed one of the UNESCO cultural heritage sites – the Bernardine Monastery complex in Lviv," the official emphasized.
Photo source: Facebook / Embassy of Ukraine in the Czech Republic
According to the diplomat, UNESCO's decision on borshch is not only a recognition of a unique recipe but also a confirmation of a living tradition preserved even in the most difficult times.
The presentation of Ukrainian borshch was given by the famous chef, restaurateur, and popularizer of Ukrainian cuisine, Yevhen Klopotenko.
Photo source: Facebook / Embassy of Ukraine in the Czech Republic
He presented the dish as an important element of Ukraine's national identity.
"Borshch is not just a dish, but a symbol of unity, traditions and invincibility of the Ukrainian people," the chef emphasized.
Photo source: Facebook / Embassy of Ukraine in the Czech Republic
The fashion part of the event – a pop-up show of Ukrainian designers – was organized by the founder of WKND edition Tetiana Babchuk. It demonstrated the modern Ukrainian vision of fashion as an integral part of Ukraine's cultural presence worldwide.
Photo source: Facebook / Embassy of Ukraine in the Czech Republic
The event brought together a wide range of international guests, including ambassadors and diplomats from:
- Denmark, Finland, Great Britain, Belgium, Argentina, France, Mexico, Spain, Chile, Portugal, Slovenia, Lithuania, Latvia, Colombia, Slovakia, Peru, Estonia, the Netherlands, Brazil, Germany and Poland.
Photo source: Facebook / Embassy of Ukraine in the Czech Republic
Representatives of the Office of the President of the Czech Republic and Czech partner enterprises and organizations also attended the event.
The diplomatic mission emphasized that holding such events is an important component of popularizing Ukrainian culture worldwide and contributes to strengthening international support for Ukraine.
Background
Borshch is the main first course of Ukrainian cuisine. In 2022, at the initiative of Yevhen Klopotenko, it was included on UNESCO's List of Intangible Cultural Heritage Sites as a site in need of protection.
It should be noted that the Franco-Ukrainian Association in the South of France (AFUCA) organized a culinary master class for local residents, during which French friends of Ukraine, under the guidance of a professional chef, mastered the art of sculpting traditional dumplings.
Moreover, in the Kharkiv region in April, a master class on making Easter cake was held, for which flour from demined fields was used.
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