practical information on the town of Zakopane and the region
is the most important cultural event organized in Zakopane every summer, since 1965. In the beginning, the folk groups were just a small element of a wide ranging programme. In September of 1965 four local groups performed on the stage of the Giewont cinema to great acclaim. The organizers realised that the success of these performances indicated a great interest in folklore and tradition, paving the way for a successful future attraction in Zakopane. And this is precisely what happened. In 1968, folk groups from other countries were invited to take part alongside their Polish counterparts, thus the first truly international festival was born. Initially all the folk groups competed in one single category and vied for one prize - the golden Highlanders axe. However, immediately following this first competition the judges realised that there were considerable differences in style amongst the various folk groups. They recommended a review of the competition regulations. The esteemed ethnographer, Roman Reinfuss, was enlisted to assist with these changes. He introduced a system of three separate competition categories.
The first, Category I, was folklore presented in an authentic form. Category II - an artistic interpretation of authentic folklore and Category III - a so-called stylized
form of folklore. In 1975, a fourth category was introduced, allowing reconstructed
folklore. That is, based on literature or material from archives.
Today the competition in Zakopane is a respected and prestigious folklore event both at home and abroad. In the last thirty nine years, almost 460 folk groups from over 60 countries have taken part, as well as 200 groups from Poland itself.
There are many fringe events during the Festival itself. Lovers of handmade novelties can browse the Market of traditional products or be inspired by various forms of Highland music during organized concerts. There are Open Days presenting an opportunity to observe local craftsmen at work, as well as exhibitions of painting, photography, embroidery and other art works. The Festival of Mountain Folklore embodies so many elements and so much beauty in its music, singing and dance, as well as in the hearts of the performers, that it is essential to preserve and protect this treasure for another remarkable forty years.
