Ukrainian Folklore Traditions on the South Slavic Lands

The relevant issue of the functioning of the Ukrainian national minority among the South Slavs, in particular on the territory of the former Yugoslavia and Bulgariа, is considered in the article. The focus of attention is primarily on their cultural activities, an appeal to examples of folk art those the representatives of national minorities spread on the territory of their temporary or permanent residence. Attention is also paid on the key stages of the settlement of Ukrainians on these lands during fateful historical events, in particular, two world wars, the October Revolution, the epoch of Stalinist repressions, the period after the collapse of the Soviet Union, and the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Information about Ukrainian societies, groups, and collectives formed by representatives of the national minority with the support of Ukraine and the governments of the countries of residence is submitted. The currently little-reesarched functioning of Sunday schools, where the Ukrainian language is studied and events dedicated to the memorable days of Ukrainian culture are also considered. It is emphasized undoubtedly only on the main areas of cultural activity of the representatives of national minorities, and information is therefore distributed proportionally. The greatest attention is paid to the Ukrainian national minority in Serbia, where it is the most numerous and active, however, when addressing the achievements of prominent Ukrainian scholars in Bulgaria, emphasis is also placed on their main achievements in the fields of history, philology, and folkloristics. It is concluded that the mission undertaken by numerous cultural and educational societies, in particular, of spreading Ukrainian culture on Bulgarian, Serbian, Slovenian, Macedonian, Bosnian and Croatian lands in order to preserve their national identity, is very important, especially in times of wartime hardship, as well as to promote and assist Ukrainian refugees, to support families with children, especially within the framework of educational programs, to join the Ukrainian cultural heritage through participation in festivals, competitions, etc.