The Golden Pin

From 10th to 14th of August, Bukowina Tatrzańska changed into the center of Polish folklore, thanks to the Polish Folklore Festival, the 56th „Sabałowe Bajania” Festival. The most important part of the festival was the National Competition of Storytellers, Instrumentalists, Singers, Groomsmen and Wedding Starosts. As every year, the „Sabałowe Bajania” started with a parade run by bands and invited guests through Bukowina Tatrzańska. Then, in the People’s House, a meeting with Krzysztof Gocał – the author of the book “Muzyka Góralska” took place. The culmination of the first evening was a highlander comedy in three acts entitled “Portki” by the patron of Bukowina theater, Józef Pitorak, performed by actors from Bukowina Tatrzańska. Competition auditions took place on the second day of the festival. The best storytellers, instrumentalists and singers from all over Poland presented themselves on the stage of the People’s House.

The Wielkopolska region was represented by, among others, Jakub Sławiński, the musician of Kuźnia Tradycji, who presented a song on a wedding goat (white) in the category of soloist instrumentalists. The jury decided to reward him with the first prize and a Golden Highlander Pin in the category for the outstanding presentation of traditional melodies from the Wielkopolska region.

The Festival evenings are, of course, concerts of folk bands on the open-air stage in front of the People’s House. During the Festival, there were accompanying events, including a colorful fair and handicraft exhibitions. This year, visitors could also take part in “Bajaniowe Śpasy”, which is art workshops conducted by folk artists, held from 10 to 13 August at the People’s House. During the Festival, there were also regional dishes prepared by the Rural Housewives’ Clubs from the Bukowina Tatrzańska Commune.

PK