The town of Třinec lies on the Olza river, in the Moravian-Silesian Region, within the borders of the historical Cieszyn Silesia. The region encompasses northern Moravia, the majority of Cieszyn Silesia, and Opava Silesia, and is a major centre of a Polish minority. The Silesia Highlanders are an ethnographic group that originally inhabited the areas of the Silesian Beskids and the Moravian-Silesian Beskids within the borders of the former Duchy of Cieszyn, in the western arc of the Carpathians. They are probably descended from Vlach shepherds who wandered along the Carpathians, mixing with the Poles, Hungarians and Romanians. The main type of economy was herding, but the Silesian highlanders were also carpenters, blacksmiths, weavers and tailors. The Silesian Beskids are one of the regions where folk traditions are still preserved and cultivated. Handicrafts such as embroidery, sculpture and furniture ornamentation arouse particular interest. Locally produced nativity scenes, caroller’s stars and masks, and musical instruments are true delights. One of the most beautiful and interesting forms of highland art is reverse glass painting.
“Małe Oldrzychowice” ensemble was founded in 2012 in Oldřichovice, which is a part of the town of Třinec. This thirty-strong group of dancers aged 10-15, who attend Polish primary schools in Trans-Olza, cultivate the folklore of the Silesian Beskids and Cieszyn Silesia. At the Festival they will present a programme entitled “Hanka’s Return.” On Sunday afternoon the children are playing in a meadow. They are joined by older girls bringing food. Soon Hanka arrives, coming back from a four-year service with her aunt. The joyful welcome turns into joint dancing and singing.
Janina Kokotek, Agata Gut and Radek Lačný are the ensemble leaders (themselves “Oldrzychowice” ensemble members of long standing).
“Małe Oldrzychowice” ensemble was founded in 2012 in Oldřichovice, which is a part of the town of Třinec. This thirty-strong group of dancers aged 10-15, who attend Polish primary schools in Trans-Olza, cultivate the folklore of the Silesian Beskids and Cieszyn Silesia. At the Festival they will present a programme entitled “Hanka’s Return.” On Sunday afternoon the children are playing in a meadow. They are joined by older girls bringing food. Soon Hanka arrives, coming back from a four-year service with her aunt. The joyful welcome turns into joint dancing and singing.
Janina Kokotek, Agata Gut and Radek Lačný are the ensemble leaders (themselves “Oldrzychowice” ensemble members of long standing).