The Ukrainian language is officially recognized not only in Ukraine but also beyond its borders. In the Brazilian city of Prudentópolis, it has been granted the status of one of the official languages thanks to the rich history of the Ukrainian community that settled there in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
In October 2021, the Prudentópolis city council unanimously approved the decision to grant Ukrainian official status. This step was seen as an important move to preserve the cultural heritage of the local community, which has maintained its native language, traditions, and customs for more than a century.
The city is renowned for its Ukrainian spirit: residents freely speak Ukrainian and celebrate traditional holidays such as Christmas Eve, Christmas, and Easter. According to community representatives, preserving the language is a way to maintain a connection with their ancestors and pass on their national identity to future generations.
Prudentópolis is often referred to as the “Ukrainian capital of Brazil,” as it is home to one of the largest Ukrainian diasporas in Latin America.
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