KOROVAI AS AN OBJECT OF INTANGIBLE CULTURAL HERITAGE

The article is devoted to the analysis of the korovai as an object of intangible cultural heritage of Ukraine, its role in preserving national identity, and prospects for inclusion in the UNESCO list. The relevance of the topic is due to the need to protect traditional values in the context of globalization, as well as increasing interest in cultural diplomacy as a tool for promoting the country in the international arena. The novelty of the study lies in a comprehensive consideration of the korovai through the prism of UNESCO criteria, including evidence of its uniqueness, living tradition, and intergenerational transmission, as well as in identifying its role in shaping a positive image of Ukraine through festivals, diasporas, and diplomatic practices.