6.3 FOLK RITES AND CUSTOMS

            The provincial competition "Folk rituals and customs" is one of the oldest events related to folklore in Poland. Its main purpose is to protect and popularize traditional folklore, especially authentic rituals and customs.

            Over the years, the competition has evolved not only in its name. The place of its organization also changed. For several years, until 2007, the competition was held in the Municipal and Communal Cultural Center in Tyczyn. In 2008-2015, the competition was organized by the Leżajsk Commune Cultural Center in Giedlarowa. Since 2016, it has been held at the Municipal and Communal Cultural Center in Sędziszów Małopolski. Despite the fact that the Competition was moved from Rzeszów, WDK has been the main organizer for all the years, providing substantive and financial support.

            Teams from all over the voivodeship come for the review, but only the authentic ones. They present customs and rituals related to the cycle of farm work, weddings, baptisms, performances related to the period of Christmas, Shrovetide, Easter, Pentecost, Corpus Christi, etc.

            Due to the high level of awareness, knowledge, accuracy and authenticity of the groups participating in the competition, the presented shows include ceremonies characteristic for a given region, ensembles of traditional activities, magic treatments, etc. They show traditional props and costumes adapted to the nature of the show.