The Ministry of Culture and Information Policy of Ukraine announced that Varena, a ritual drink made in the village of Boromlia, Okhtyrka district, Sumy region, has been added to the country's National List of Intangible Cultural Heritage Elements. This decision was made in an order issued on July 26.

The traditional drink Varena is an integral part of the ritual commemoration ceremonies that take place every year in cemeteries in the village of Boromlia. These special ceremonies, called Myronosna, are held on the first and second Sunday after Easter.

On these commemorative days, locals bring various foods and a ritual drink called Varena to the cemeteries. Tables and benches near the graves are decorated with tablecloths and placed with food specially prepared for this day.

To prepare this ritual drink you need 2 liters of water: 100 g of sugar, 200 g of dried cherries, 200 g of dried currants, a sprig of mint, currant leaves, one or two tablespoons of honey and a pod of red pepper.

First boil water, add sugar, berries, mint, currant leaves and honey. The drink is infused for 20 minutes. Then the red pepper pod is added and left to stand until a slightly bitter taste is felt. After that, the pepper is removed from the drink. The drink is strained and cooled before serving.

The inclusion of the Varena ritual drink in the National List of Intangible Cultural Heritage contributes to the preservation of traditions and cultural values of Ukraine. Thanks to this, unique rituals and recipes can be passed down from generation to generation, and the national culture is enriched with various rites and traditions.