Za górami za lasami…

A lot of tales begins this way.
The Lemko Culture Festival, Łemkowska Watra in Zdynia (Lemko: Ждиня/Żdynia) is an annual time of gatherings extremely important to the Lemko people: across generations, families, and friendships. Gatherings that unite us through a shared song, gathering around what matters most. This was the original idea of Władysław Graban and people connected with the Representative Song and Dance Ensemble „Łemkowyna” from Bielanka. The first Watras were artistic workshops of this ensemble, which grew stronger each year.

Łemkowska Watra traveled across the Lemko Region, first to Czarna (near Uście Gorlickie) in 1983 and 1984, then moved to Hańczowa in 1985 and Bartne in 1986, 1987, 1988, and 1989. Initially, these were small informal meetings, but over time they evolved into today’s form of a large festival. All these changes are the fruits of many years of hard and dedicated work by many people.

ZDYNIA
Zdynia — (Lemko name: Ждиня) is a small village, one of many in the Low Beskids. What sets it apart from other places is its unique picturesque nature and magnetism, which once a year in July attracts Lemkos (and not only Lemkos!) from all around the world. Since 1990, the Lemko Union has been organizing the Lemko Watra, and Zdynia has become a permanent home for it. The event has grown and expanded over time, increasing both in size and reach. The venue has also been modernized. The Watra grounds cover 2.5 hectares of fenced area with well-developed gastronomic and sanitary infrastructure, an amphitheater, a stage with backstage facilities, and a mini open-air museum. The total festival area is 9.5 hectares.