Highlander Carnival in Bukowina Tatrzańska

From the folklore clothes parade to the art exhibition, the Highlander Carnival that lasts 5 days is the main municipal attraction in Bukowina Tatrzańska during winter. Let's see what is this all about!

Bukowina Tatrzańska is one of the most picturesque villages in Poland. During the winter season, Bukowina is a popular ski resort. In the area of the village, you can find several aggregations of ski lifts: Klin, Wysoki Wierch, and Rusińśki Wierch. Apart from ski resorts, this village is also known for its massive event in the early February named "Highlander Carnival" (Polish: Góralski Karnawał).

The first event was organized in 1973 and immediately made its way to the calendar of the winter events in the Podhale region. Originally, the main attraction of the carnival was a competition of Christmas caroling groups and various contests, including a race of sleighs (Polish: kumoterki), ski-skiring – a race of skiers pulled by a horserider, and a skiing race of men and women in retro-styled costumes.

Usually, the whole event lasts 5 days between Wednesday and Sunday. However this year, the event is held only for 4 consecutive days, from Feb 11th to Feb 14th, 2021. The event normally begins with a ride of a sleigh with folk bands and invited guests through the main street of Bukowina. For the next three days in the Folk House, you can watch performances of Christmas caroling groups.

On Saturday evening, the sky above Bukowina will be illuminated by fireworks, and the festive sleigh ride was riding through the village. You may also expect folklore exhibitions, at which masters of wood-carving, artistic furniture making, artists specializing in products of metal and leather, glass painting and lacemaking present their craft. There is also a presentation of Polish Tatra Sheepdogs.

However, it sometimes happened that the highly anticipated part of the Highlanders’ Carnival was cancelled because of bad weather conditions. This year, we can enjoy the carnival even from our home!

On-line broadcasts from the Carnival will be available here:
- On the website of the Highlander Carnival: www.goralskikarnawal.pl
- In the event on the social network Facebook: 49. Highlander Carnival on-line
- On the Youtube channel of "Bukowiański Centrum Kultury Dom Ludowy" : www.youtube.com/BukowiańskieCentrumCulturyDomLudowy

Source: visitmalopolska.pl

Photos: goralskikarnawal.pl