Key points
- The tradition of preparing “shpachky” has been added to Ukraine’s National Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage.
- The dish originates from the Horyshchyna area in the Cherkasy region.
- These are small fried pastries with a potato filling.
- They were traditionally prepared for religious holidays and memorial days.
- During the Holodomor and after the Second World War, “shpachky” helped people survive.
- Today, they are still prepared for holidays, memorial gatherings, and everyday life.
- Over 120 traditions are now included in Ukraine’s National Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage.
The Ministry of Culture of Ukraine has added the tradition of preparing “shpachky” in the Horyshche area of the Cherkasy region to the National Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Ukraine.
“Shpachky” are small fried pastries, about 3–5 cm in size, with a potato filling. They are cooked in a pan in oil until golden brown and then served with a garlic-and-oil dressing. The dish can be eaten on its own or as an accompaniment to first courses.
This tradition is widespread in the town of Horyshche and villages of the Horyshche community in the Cherkasy region.
In the past, “shpachky” were prepared for religious holidays and occasions, including the Forty Martyrs Day, Candlemas, and Ascension, as well as during memorial days. Some of these customs have been preserved today, especially in funeral and remembrance practices.
During the Holodomor and after the Second World War, “shpachky” helped people survive food shortages, as they were made from simple and accessible ingredients. They were eaten instead of bread or as a separate dish.
Ukrainians still prepare this dish for holidays, memorial meals, and everyday life. Recipes may vary slightly, but the shape and size of the pastries remain the same.
The tradition of preparing ‘shpachky’ in Cherkasy region is both a story of survival and a link between generations. We must support these practices and help communities preserve them. This is how we root our culture.
– Ukraine’s Deputy Prime Minister for Humanitarian Policy and Minister of Culture, Tetiana Berezhna.
The National Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Ukraine has existed since 2012. It currently includes more than 120 traditions and customs from different regions of the country.
Read also:
Russia has damaged 1,723 cultural heritage sites and 2,524 cultural infrastructure facilities in Ukraine
