8 Kolobrzeska, Bydgoszcz, Poland
Redyk, or sheep grazing in the group, is began every year in May, when the highlanders go out with the cattle to the pastures. It is the most solemn holiday in the Shepherd's calendar. There are many different traditional rituals and procedures associated with the redyk, often magical. After a long winter, sheep from different farms are brought to one place. Each sheep is marked and given to shepherds who count them and create a flock or herd. This operation is called sheep mixing. Then the rituals begin. The first of it is to light a fire in the shepherd's hut. It is the resurrection of the holy fire, which was to protect the sheep from evil and enchantment. According to tradition, the sheep were led outside the pasture and accompanied by making noise. One of the methods was honking. After performing all the necessary rituals, the sheep are led out. The sheep from Koniaków are taken to the pasture in Ochodzita. It is a peak near the village, 895 m above sea level. At the end of the redyk, music-making and dancing take place. The musicians play traditional instruments: gaidas and violins. Redyk is to introduce the inhabitants and tourists to the traditions of the highlanders.
Please note that ITS-Poland works with groups only (10 participants and more).
