UNESCO adds Belarusian papercutting art to cultural heritage of humanity

December 4, Pozirk. UNESCO has added vycinanka, the Belarusian art of papercutting, to the list of intangible cultural heritage at a session in Paraguay today.

The Belarusian foreign ministry has welcomed the decision by saying that the art, which originated in the 16th century, is experiencing a revival.

“The art of vycinanka is actively used in the exterior and interior decoration of private homes and public places, such as offices, restaurants, cultural institutions and theater sets. It is also an integral part of our traditional holidays,” the ministry said.

It called vycinanka “one of the aesthetic foundations of the Belarusian mentality and culture.”

The foreign ministry noted that the UNESCO cultural heritage list now includes six Belarusian items:

    • The rite of the Kalady Tsars (2009)

    • Celebrations in honor of the Budslaŭ icon of Our Lady (2018)

    • The spring rite of Juraŭski Karahod (2019)

    • Tree beekeeping culture (2020)

    • Straw weaving art, craft and skills (2022)

    • Vycinanka (2024)