#ICH – Cossack Songs of the Dnipropetrovsk Region
Through informal education — the regional creative online contest “Let’s Give Children a Fairy Tale” — we introduced residents of our region to an element of UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH): Cossack Songs of the Dnipropetrovsk Region.
Why? Because these songs are unique and could disappear forever if they are not spoken about, popularized, studied, and, of course, sung.
This year, the contest received 25 entries from authors in the Solonianska, Pokrovska, Pavlohradska, Mezhova, Hubynska, Pidhorodnia, Lozuvatka, Verkhniodniprovsk, and Mohyliv territorial communities.
It was especially delightful that 6 stories were written by children, and 5 stories were in verse.
The main requirement: the fairy tales had to be based on existing Cossack songs of the Dnipropetrovsk Region.
More about the history of their research and their distinction from traditional Ukrainian folk songs was shared by Liliia Gurenko, head of WOMEN plus.
The final highlight of this educational event was a cappella singing by the bearers of this ICH element — the ensemble “Krynychenka” from Pidhorodne. Their Cossack songs left no one indifferent.
We extend our deep gratitude to the performers and their director, Kateryna Karapysh, for preserving living heritage, nurturing love for Cossack songs, and passing this priceless legacy from generation to generation.
2025 Winners.
Adults Category:
🏆 1st place – “The Tale of the Poppy Blossom” by Olena Ostrenko, Vilne village, Lozuvatka Territorial Community
🥈 2nd place – “The Tale of Morosenko and Savur-mohyla” by Tetiana Dubova, Dnipro
🥉 3rd place – “Ahead of Doroshenko” by Fidel Sukhonis, Dnipro
🥉 3rd place – verse fairy tale “Good Comrade” by Tetiana Prokofieva, Pokrov
Children Category:
🏆 1st place – “Oh, the Girl Waited for the Cossack” by Daria Yanchuk, Viiskove village, Solonianska Territorial Community
🥈 2nd place – “Cossack Songs” by Aliona Fedorenko, Pokrov
🥉 3rd place – “How Ivanko Became a Chieftain” by Oleksandra Yarkaya, Novopidkryazh village, Mohyliv Community
The festive atmosphere was truly felt!
Special thanks to:
Members of the Dnipropetrovsk Regional Organization of the National Union of Writers of Ukraine for attending our event.
Members of the contest commission.
Main partners of the contest — Dnipropetrovsk Regional Children’s Library and the Dnipro Academy of Continuing Education.
📸 More photos here:
