In the south-eastern quarter of Poland, in the basin of three rivers – Dunajec, Poprad and Kamienica – lies the Sącz district. It is a region of the Sącz Lachs, a distinctive ethnographic group that created its own folk culture with a characteristic dialect, music, customs and rites. The Lach attire is distinguished by remarkably rich embroidery, and the amazing thing about the dance folklore is its variety of acts. The Sącz Lachs border the Krakowiaks to the north, the Foothill Dwellers to the east, the Sącz Highlanders to the south, and the Limanowa Lachs to the west. The village of Podegrodzie, along with several other villages lining the left bank of the Dunajec river, is regarded as the centre of the Lach culture. The Sącz Valley was one of the first and most densely populated areas in the Sub-Carpathian region. The colonisation movement from the north affected these lands as early as the Piast dynasty period; in the 13th century the two major municipalities of Stary Sącz and Nowy Sącz were founded, the oldest parishes were established, e.g. the ones in Stary Sącz and Podegrodzie. A significant role in the colonisation process and economic development was played by the Poor Clare monastery in Stary Sącz, founded by Saint Kinga of Poland in 1280. In this land, close to the southern border of the town of Nowy Sącz lies the Nawojowa commune. Here, since 1995 “Piecuchy” folk ensemble has been operating under the auspices of the Community Cultural Centre, taking great care to propagate the Lach traditions among children and teenagers.
On the Festival stage “Piecuchy” will present a programme entitled “After work.” Having finished work and fulfilled the duties in the farmyard, at last the children can make some time for themselves, and since the child’s imagination has no limits, fun and games, tales, banter, songs and dances continue forever.
Monika Bulińska is the ensemble leader and instructor, and Artur Wiktor is the band leader.
On the Festival stage “Piecuchy” will present a programme entitled “After work.” Having finished work and fulfilled the duties in the farmyard, at last the children can make some time for themselves, and since the child’s imagination has no limits, fun and games, tales, banter, songs and dances continue forever.
Monika Bulińska is the ensemble leader and instructor, and Artur Wiktor is the band leader.