The town of Wisła - official website

What is żebroczka? What was trówla for? What is the difference between the traditional costume of the highlanders from Wisła and of those from Istebna? What are rozsypoły? Were the wooden huts built on a framework or in a form of so-called swallow tail? The answers to these and similar other questions connected with local tradition, folk and culture can be found in some very unique places in Wisła.

The Beskid Museum with the Wooden Build Enclave, ‘U Niedżwiedzia’, ‘U Kocyana’, ‘U Dziadka’, ‘Zapiecek u Jędrysa‘ or the Museum of Pharmacy are the unique places where you can admire the past and the present items made with hands of the local inhabitants. These are the places which show what life was like in the past: tools, clothes, utensils, musical instruments, sculptures, paintings, embroidery, lace or herbs used for medical treatment. You can also see what school at the turn of the XIX century was like.

Wisła is also the enclave of marvelous folk art. The first verse of the so-called anthem of the Beskid highlanders is:

‘Sycamores and aspens are shuddering, the highlanders’ music and singing will never vanish from the mountains‘
(by Adam Niedoba)

This song and many other similar ones can be very often heard during festivals, concerts and musical meetings of folk art and music. They are usually held in the amphitheatre in Kopczyński Park or on the small scene in Hoff Square. In the centre of the amphitheatre there is a statue of Stanisław Hadyna (the founder of the famous Dance Ensemble ‘Silesia’) a honorary citizen of Wisła buried in the oldest local cemetery ’Groniczek‘ in the meritorious avenue. The biggest, international folk festival - the Week of the Beskid Culture is held in Wisła in late July and early August every year. It is one of the biggest tourist attractions and it is the opportunity to watch and listen to various folk groups from all over the world. The performances are held in the amphitheatre and on the small scene in Hoff Square. At that time the centre of the town changes into a folk fair with dozens of stalls. Another opportunity to see some live folk culture is the holiday of the Days of Wisła and the traditional harvest festival in September. In Wisła the local tradition is often interwoven with present time and that is why the local folk bands can be heard so often at the sleigh rides or feasts in local inns.

The Folk Band ‘Wisła’ and the singing bands of: Czernianie, Grónie, Tkocze, Mali Tkocze, Stejizbianki, Uścieńkowianie and Wańcy often perform at local events presenting both professional and amateur highlanders folk. Their offers usually consist of old shepherd’s or feast ballads which they sing with a music band or a cappella. In this way they are the real guardians of local tradition and local dialect.

The restaurants and traditional inns are famous for their regional cuisine which is also served in many guesthouses and boardinghouses. Sweet lovers will be satisfied to taste some delicious desserts served in the local cafés.