Wedding in Kurpia

“Wedding on Kurpiach” ritual performance according to Fr Władysław Skierkowski performed by the Kurpiów Folklore Ensemble “Carniacy” from Czarnia and the Folklore Ensemble “Kurpiowszczyzna” from Myszynec

The ritual performance “Wedding on Kurpia” according to Fr Władysław Skierkowski is a living lesson in history and a unique celebration of tradition. The event is part of the celebration of the year dedicated to Fr Władysław Skierkowski — an outstanding ethnomusicologist, researcher of Kurpiowszyzny, stool and member of the Płock Scientific Society — on the 140th anniversary of his birth and the 85th anniversary of his death.

The show is inspired by his work and shows the old wedding ceremonies of Kurpiów, traditional music, singing, dancing and the linguistic dialect of the inhabitants of Kurpiowszczyzna.

The unique value of the show is its authenticity. The audience sees not only the reconstruction of the ancient rites, but the living culture of the Kurpiovshchyna, passed down from generation to generation by the people who are its natural depositaries. Traditional music, singing, dancing, slang and the naturalness of the performers create an extremely emotional and credible message, moving both the inhabitants of the region and the audience from Poland and abroad.

In 2026, the show was presented to a wide audience at the National Institute of Culture and Rural Heritage in Warsaw, as well as after the famous Kurpia procession of the Corpus Christi in the Basilica in Myszyniec, broadcast by Polish Television and Polish Radio. A special distinction was the participation of the performance in the 63rd Week of Beskid Culture and International Folklore Meetings, where, as representing Poland, the ensembles presented “Wedding at Kurpia” alongside interesting presentations of sixteen ensembles from different parts of the world.

The realization of the performance is also a reference to the glorious card in the history of the Theater in Płock. In 1928, it was on this stage that the premiere of “Wedding on the Kurpia” took place, which in the following years became a real showcase of Polish folk culture at home and abroad (including in Brussels, Antwerp, London and the Netherlands), gaining recognition from critics, including Tadeusz Boy-Żeleński.

The stage setting of the performance combines a professional theater workshop with authentic, lively Kurpiów folklore. Representatives of several generations meet on the stage, creating a moving story about family, community, Christian faith and the identity of the inhabitants of the Kurpiów Green Forest.

More than 40 folk artists representing several generations will perform. The show is attended by:

- Kurpiowski Folk Ensemble “Carniacy” from Czarnia (operating continuously since 1935) under the direction of Witold Kuczyński,

- Folklore ensemble “Kurpiowszczyzna” from Myszyniec (popularizing the Kurpi culture for over 50 years) under the direction of Zdzisław Ścibek.

The joint musical setting will be accompanied by the combined bands of both bands. The whole is created in cooperation with the Kurpiowszczyzna Heritage Protection Society.

Both ensembles are among the most prominent representatives of Kurpiów folklore in Poland. They are laureates of numerous prestigious awards and distinctions, presenting authentic songs, dances, music and ceremonial performances of the region for decades.

The project is open and intergenerational. It is an excellent opportunity to see with your own eyes the ancient wedding ceremonies, hear traditional music, songs and authentic regional dialect passed down from generation to generation.

Kurpiowski Folk Ensemble “Carniacy” from Czarnia - has been operating continuously since 1935 and in 2025 celebrated the 90th anniversary of its activity. “Carniacs” are the winners of six Towers at the National Festival of Folk Bands and Singers in Kazimierz Dolny and eight-time finalists of the National Assembly of Theaters of the Polish Village in Tarnogrod.

The Folk Ensemble “Kurpiowszczyzna” from Myszyniec was founded in 1974 and has been popularizing the culture of the Kurpiów Green Forest for more than fifty years. “Kurpiowszczyzna” is the winner of the Oskar Kolberg Prize, winner of numerous awards during the National Days of Kurpiów Culture in Nowgorod and the National Festival of Folk Bands and Singers in Kazimierz Dolny. Both ensembles have repeatedly represented Poland at international folklore festivals, promoting the Kurpi culture in many European countries.