POLAND

Beskidy Highlanders’ Week of Culture

Every year on the occasion of Beskidy Highlanders’ Week of Culture, several thousand performers from almost one hundred folk groups are watched by an audience of a few thousand people. This huge event is always organised in the middle of the summer. During nine days folklore lovers can participate in outdoor concerts of regional Polish and foreign groups in five towns (Wisła, Szczyrk, Żywiec, Maków Podhalański, Oświęcim). Additionally, there are going to be organised local folk events in four other locations (Ujsoły, Jabłonków, Istebna, Bielsko-Biała) and processions in order to attract people and encourage them to come to amphitheatres – colourful costumes, joyous folk songs, and even dance performances seduce inhabitants and tourists. The atmosphere is always unique. One person is not able to see and experience everything, but it is the best idea to choose one place and be there for a couple of evenings in a row. The tickets are not necessary because the shows are free. On some occasions, it is worth coming a little bit earlier in order to find a good seat. Before the concerts start, the whole audience sings the unofficial anthem of the Beskidy highlanders “Szumi jawor”, which was written by Adam Niedoba. We cordially invite you to our festival!