The Highlanders’ Carnival in Bukowina Tatrzańska
Because of its peak location, Bukowina Tatrzańska is one of the most picturesque villages in Poland. In the 19th century, this was the place where trips to Morskie Oko and the Polish Five Pond Valley were beginning. The centre of Bukowina is located beneath the ridge of Kramarski peak. This is the place were the most characteristic historical objects of the village are located.
Not far from here, there is a Primul Villa, built in 1900, from the initiative of priest Walenty Gadowski, the creator of the Orla Perć trail.
During the winter season, Bukowina is a popular ski resort. At the area of the village you can find several aggregations of ski lifts: Klin, Wysoki Wierch and Rusińśki Wierch.
In 1925, the Association of Bukowina Friends was established, which gave Bukowina Tatrzańska a chance to develop its touristic infrastructure. The Association of Bukowina Friends is also the organizer of the Highlanders’ Carnival, which takes place in early February.
The first event was organized in 1973 and immediately made its way to the calendar the winter events in Podhale. Originally, the main attraction of the carnival was a competition of Christmas caroling groups and various contests, including a race of sleighs, or the so-called „Kumoterki”,
ski-skiring – a race of skiers pulled by a horserider, and a skiing race of men and women in
retro-styled costumes.
The whole event lasts 5 days, between Wednesday and Sunday. It 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 nigt above Bukowina was illuminated by fireworks, and the festive sleigh ride was riding through the village. On Sunday, everyone was waiting for the kumoterki race and the ski-skiring contest. However, it sometimes happened that thiss highly anticipated part of the Highlanders’ Carnival was cancelled because of bad weather conditions.