Koncert Laureatów Żywieckich Godów (Laureates' Concert)
Attendees hear the best carols and Christmas rituals performed on stage, see winners crowned, and celebrate Polish highlander music and dance in a community concert setting.
~17:00
Żywiec Carol and Ritual Festival
Żywieckie Gody
Żywiec, Poland
Jan 17 - Feb 1, 2026ConfirmedSource
Each winter, the town of Żywiec and its neighbors in the Beskids hold the Żywieckie Gody. Carol-singers and the masked Dziady and Jukacy compete and parade through the towns, in a celebration that preserves the rich winter folk traditions of the Beskid Gorals.
Key moments
Day 32 · Feb 17
Dzień Plenerowy Żywieckich Godów (Outdoor Day)
Colorfully costumed carolers and demon-like figures march with music from the historic Karczma Żywiecka tavern to the market square; visitors witness traditional dances, wintry rituals, and can join in community festivities.
Around 11:00
Beskidzki Karnawał (Beskid Carnival)
Presentations by regional cultural groups, folk art stalls and tasting of local dishes after the parade, celebrating Beskid mountain carnival traditions.
~16:00
Where it happens
Rynek w Żywcu
Żywiec, Poland
Open in MapsHow to show up well
Dress for the setting
None (casual warm clothing)
Read the local rhythm
Guests are welcome to watch, join workshops, or take part in communal dances if invited. Ob...
Respect local boundaries
Attendees should respect the religious and folk significance of performances (e.g. Saint Ni...
Practical notes
Crowds & timing
Crowd level: moderate.
Tickets
Free events are available.
Reviewed mediaREGIONAL COMMUNITY & FOLK LIFE
Żywiec Carol and Ritual Festival
Żywieckie Gody
Żywiec, Poland
Each winter, the town of Żywiec and its neighbors in the Beskids hold the Żywieckie Gody. Carol-singers and the masked Dziady and Jukacy compete and parade through the towns, in a celebration that preserves the rich winter folk traditions of the Beskid Gorals.
Under the radarStill under the radar
Jan 17 - Feb 1, 2026Confirmed dates
Verified this year
Saved locally on this device. A free account keeps your shortlist across devices.
The story behind it
This event preserves winter-season folk traditions of the Beskid Gorals. It follows a liturgical-carnival cycle (Andrzejki, Christmas, New Year, Epiphany to end of Carnival). Customary figures include star-carolers, the “dziady” (devils, deaths, etc.), “mikołaje” (Saint Nicholases), kukeri-like masked outfits, etc. It is deeply rooted in local rural culture and showcases the unique heritage of the Żywiec-Silesian highlanders.
Key moments to know
Day 32Feb 17~17:00Expected
Koncert Laureatów Żywieckich Godów (Laureates' Concert)
Attendees hear the best carols and Christmas rituals performed on stage, see winners crowned, and celebrate Polish highlander music and dance in a community concert setting.
Around 11:00Approximate
Dzień Plenerowy Żywieckich Godów (Outdoor Day)
Colorfully costumed carolers and demon-like figures march with music from the historic Karczma Żywiecka tavern to the market square; visitors witness traditional dances, wintry rituals, and can join in community festivities.
~16:00Expected
Beskidzki Karnawał (Beskid Carnival)
Presentations by regional cultural groups, folk art stalls and tasting of local dishes after the parade, celebrating Beskid mountain carnival traditions.
How to show up well
first-timer tips
Dress for the setting
None (casual warm clothing)
Read the local rhythm
Guests are welcome to watch, join workshops, or take part in communal dances if invited. Observers should follo...
Respect local boundaries
Attendees should respect the religious and folk significance of performances (e.g. Saint Nicholas, Nativity car...
Ask before close-up photos
Ask permission
Essentials at a glance
Date window
Jan 17 - Feb 1, 2026
Confirmed
City / Area
Żywiec
Silesia
Cost
Free public events available
Good for
Families welcome
Moderate visitor welcome
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