The Śmigus Dziady of Dobra: a traditional Easter ritual — The Śmigus Dziady: a photo from the 2025 celebrations. Photo: Sebastian Bogdanik

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The Śmigus Dziady of Dobra: the Mystery of a Living Tradition That Has Survived the Centuries

Name: Śmigus Dziady of Dobra (Dziady Śmigustne)
Start: 2025-04-21T06:30:00+02:00
End: 2025-04-21T11:30:00+02:00
Location: Municipal Public Library and Market Square, Dobra

21 April 2025 | Easter Monday | Dobra, Limanowa County, southern Poland

Authenticity, mystery and the strength of community

Authenticity, mystery and the strength of community: that is the shortest way I can describe the extraordinary spectacle I document every year in Dobra, a small town in the Lesser Poland region. The Dziady Śmigustne, or Śmigus Dziady, are much more than a colourful attraction. They are a cultural code, a ritual of purification and a living legend rooted in the hearts of the townspeople and in the history of the region. Like other traditions kept alive in the towns and villages of Lesser Poland, such as the youth firefighting sports competition in Sidzina, they bring together community, passion and the memory of local values.

MDP Competition in Sidzina 2025 – where young firefighters compete in the sports hall — IV Powiatowe Halowe Zawody Sportowo-Pożarnicze MDP – Sidzina, 2 marca 2025 r.

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🔥 4th District Indoor Youth Firefighting Competition in Sidzina — young firefighters from across the county showed strength, precision, and team spirit

Sidzina, 2 March 2025 — Over 250 young firefighters competed in an exciting indoor event in Sidzina. The sports hall turned into a true hub of teamwork, precision, and firefighting determination.

This event highlighted the importance of local tradition and community. Also see the Parish Christmas Pageant – a unique story that connects generations.

Christmas Nativity Play 'A Unique History' – Holy Trinity Parish, Bieńkówka, 2025 — Frame from the Christmas Nativity Play in Bieńkówka – January 2025

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"A Unique History" – Christmas Nativity Play in Bieńkówka

January 18, 2025 | Holy Trinity Parish | Bieńkówka, Lesser Poland

Testimony of Faith and Community

On January 18, 2025, I had the pleasure of documenting an event that touched the hearts of many – the Christmas Nativity Play titled "A Unique History". At the Holy Trinity Parish in Bieńkówka, an incredibly moving performance took place, reminding us not only of the birth of Jesus but also the power of community and living faith.

Municipal Nativity Play 2025 at OSP Bieńkówka – residents of Budzów Municipality as biblical characters — Municipal Nativity Play 2025 in Bieńkówka – photo by Sebastian Bogdanik

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“What Happened in Bethlehem?” – Nativity Play in Bieńkówka

6 January 2025, 5:00 PM | OSP Fire Station Bieńkówka (Bieńkówka, Budzów Municipality)

Christmas Tradition and Community Engagement

In the festive spirit, the residents of Budzów Municipality had the opportunity to take part in a special nativity play titled “What Happened in Bethlehem?”. The performance took place on 6 January 2025 at 5:00 PM at the Volunteer Fire Station in Bieńkówka. I had the pleasure of witnessing the event up close and have prepared a report and photo gallery for you. Just a few days earlier, the same village hosted another beautiful and symbolic event: The Adoration of the Magi in Bieńkówka – Epiphany 2025 and Procession of the Faithful , which also brought the local community together around spiritual and communal values.

The Adoration of the Magi in Bieńkówka – Epiphany 2025 and the Procession of the Faithful

6 January 2025, 10:30 AM | Parish of the Most Holy Trinity , Bieńkówka (Budzów Municipality)

Epiphany – A Tradition Rich in Symbolism

On 6 January 2025, a solemn Holy Mass was held at the parish in Bieńkówka to celebrate the Feast of the Epiphany, also known as Three Kings’ Day. The event was filled with tradition, the depth of liturgy, and the joyful involvement of the entire parish community. I had the pleasure of attending this special moment and have prepared a report and a photo gallery for you.