"MIETNIOWIACY" REGIONAL BAND- It is one of the oldest (formed in 1960) folk bands operating in the Małopolska region. The repertoire of the band consists of vivid folk ceremonies, songs, dances and customs from Wieliczka and the surrounding villages. Many unique folk works of art have been presented over the years at different cultural events and festivals in Poland and in Europe. The band cultiv
ates a custom called "Obrzęd Siudej Baby" which deserves particular recognition — it dates back to the pagan times and survived to this day only in Wieliczka. The band also cultivates other regional springtime and Easter traditions (e.g. "garden with the Christ's figure", "cart with a rooster", "dance of roosters", "dance of wild ducks", "dance of storks", "dance with an apple tree") which may be presented to a wider audience thanks to the band's activity. The program of the band also includes regional suites, Kraków suites, wedding customs from Kraków and Mietniów regions, Dozhinki customs, carol singing, St. John's Eve ceremonies and miner customs: "karczma piwna" for men and "babski comber" for women. The band also performs occasional songs and dances, as well as song and dances in the 1920's – 1940's style. Cultivation of tradition by live performances and active participation is a very important aspect of the band's activity. The band also plays an important sociological role. It takes part in developing relations, integration and supports creativity of the local, multi-generation society. The band's activity helps children and teenagers in developing helpful skills and a positive attitude towards their surroundings. The "Mietniowiacy" Band organized many folk dance shows and training events and attended integration meetings with groups from Germany, France, Slovakia and Japan. Throughout its history the Band's concert activity was very dynamic and it is particularly intensive at the present moment. The band is regularly invited to many prestige cultural events and festivals, both in Poland and in other European countries, including: Czech Republic, Slovakia, Bulgaria, Ukraine, Hungary, Germany, France, Russia and Italy. There are three age groups in the band: "MIETNIOWIACY" — basic group, "MIETNIOWIACY" — teenage group and "MALI MIETNIOWIACY" — children's group.