Welcoming the Ensembles at the Town Hall

How strangely sometimes the fates of words twist. In the beginning, the word is unnecessary, so it isn’t there. Then, an object appears that wasn’t there before, so you must give it some name. This results in the creation of a new word or a derivative of an existing one. The object isn’t particularly popular yet, so few people are aware that this new word exists. And then something happens that makes the word come into common use, because the object itself takes on meaning. And this meaning is not necessarily neutral. It may well be that it strikes fear into people’s hearts, as the context in which it occurs is a dark one. One such word is, for example, a “drone.” Fortunately, these devices are not used solely for combat, although that is increasingly how we tend to view them. You can still take a photo or record a video using a drone.

And that’s what happened on Sunday at midday. The Participants in the FESTIVAL OF THE CHILDREN OF MOUNTAINS first lined up on the steps in front of the Town Hall, and then danced in the spot where the Nowy Sącz statue of John Paul II looked down on them benevolently. And all this was captured from a bird’s eye view – that is, from a drone’s eye perspective.

At the Town Hall – as usual, though not as always, because last year extensive renovation work was underway here – the ensemble leaders met. There was also a pair of children from each ensemble, and of course the interpreters. And that is one of those moments when interpreters have some real work to do.

Andrzej Zarych, the director general of the SOKÓŁ Małopolska Culture Centre, welcomed everyone and then gave the floor in turn to the distinguished guests as well as the representatives of the town of Nowy Sącz and of the region.

Mr Ioseb Khakhaleishvili, the Georgian Consul-General thanked the organisers for fostering international friendship amongst children, describing it as a very good idea. He also acknowledged that the children from Georgia cherish positive expectations. 

MP Barbara Bartuś pointed out that this is the thirty-third time that Nowy Sącz has been the capital of dance and beautiful traditions represented by the children of mountains, by the children from various countries. She congratulated everyone on this beautiful and joyful festival. And because the Festival began, as usual, with a Holy Mass, we can be sure of God’s blessing. 

Artur Bochenek, the Deputy Mayor of Nowy Sącz, welcomed everyone to the Town Hall and to Nowy Sącz. He was of the opinion that the Festival’s intellect and heart came together within these venerable walls of the town hall that day. He expressed his delight that Nowy Sącz would remain in every child’s heart. 

Michał Nowak, a member of the Nowy Sącz County Council, expressed his gratitude for the invitation, as this was yet another occasion on which he had the honour of attending such a meeting. He wished the participants new friendships and wonderful impressions of the Sącz region, and the local residents – that they would willingly attend the Festival events.

Stanisław Kuzak, the chief of the Chełmiec commune, expressed his pride in this year’s host ensemble, PIĄTKOWIOKI from Piątkowa. He thanked the Łukasik family, who have been looking after the ensemble for several generations.

Piotr Gąsienica, the deputy director to Andrzej Zarych, and the Festival’s organisational director, said the least of all – to quote him: “deputies aren’t there to talk, but to get things done!”

On behalf of the Artistic Committee, chairwoman Dorota Majerczyk warmly welcomed the assembled guests. She said she was happy to be seeing them again. She reassured the participants, who might have felt a sense of awe in the presence of such a distinguished panel tasked with judging their performances, saying that the Committee was made up of people who not only possessed knowledge but also had huge hearts for children. She also introduced the committee’s new secretary - Ms Marta Smólczyńska. She welcomed the interpreters and thanked the participants for bringing a piece of their culture with them.

The director introduced the other members of the committee. This year, under the guidance of Dr Dorota Majerczyk, the ensembles’ performances will be closely observed by: Dr Tomasz Nowak, Dr Evgeniya Grancharova, Benedykt Kafel, Baris Kop and Julieta Pavez Pizarro.

The concerts will be hosted by Hanka Rybka and Patryk Rutkowski, who is also responsible for the production of the whole event.

To conclude, Małgorzata Łukasik-Kogut, on behalf of PIĄTKOWIOKI, thanked everyone for taking part in this special Festival. The ensemble she leads has the honour of hosting the Festival for the fifth time. Their hearts are smiling warmly at the organisers and the friends from other ensembles.