On Tuesday, 21 July, young performers from the KOPANIČIARIK ensemble from Slovakia and MALI MAGURZANIE from Łodygowice took to the courtyard stage at the SOKÓŁ Małopolska Culture Centre. Their energetic performances brought much joy and introduced the audience to neighbouring highland traditions.

The FESTIVAL OF THE CHILDREN OF THE MOUNTAINS is like coming home. When, after a long journey—or even more so, after years of wandering through the world when adulthood has pushed us beyond the threshold—we return, and straight away that one-of-a-kind, unmistakable scent hits us, warmth surrounds us, and above all, loving arms embrace us.

On Monday, 20 July, the ACADEMIA DE DANZAS FOLKLÓRICAS FRANCISCO DE LEÓN ensemble from Panama and the Polish group PIĄTKOWIOKI performed in the courtyard of the SOKÓŁ Małopolska Culture Centre. The audience had the opportunity to admire the extraordinary wealth of colours and cultural rhythms of both regions.

Freedom is a sacred word. One of the most beautiful. It was this very word that shone bright on Sunday afternoon over the sparkling, laughing, dancing, and singing parade of the FESTIVAL OF THE CHILDREN OF THE MOUNTAINS.