Highlander Folk Group, Klimki Bachledy from Zakopane
The group was founded in 1952 at Zakopane’s “Cepelia” (a folk arts and handicraft Foundation) in 1952. In 1957 and after the reactivation of the Podhalan
Association the group still works with them today. The group brings together young people and adults, whose highlander culture, authentic singing, dance, music and
dialect lie very much in their hearts. For over half a century it cultivates the traditions that are still alive in the Podhale region. The artistic achievements
of the group are programs and translations based on the Tatra traditions; among others”, In the Na hali, Zaloty, Wesele góralskie, and Jasełka. The members of the
ensemble cast themselves as actors in plays written by Julian Reimschussel and in the 1960s and 1990s and they produced the only highland opera entitled, “Jadwisia
spod Regli”, which entered highland art as a concept. For many years the group has actively participated in the life of the town of Zakopane and the group members
of the team took part in theWinter Universiade in 1993 and prepared the artistic setting of this event. Klimki Bachledy folk group took part in the welcome of Pope
John Paul II in Podhale in 1997. Many times it has prepared the artistic setting of the ski jumping World Cup at Wielka Krokiew and the Snowboarding Championships.
It cooperated, among others, with Barbara Wachowicz and participated several times in television recordings.
Over the last 5 years the group has participated in many projects, such as, Harnasie, Karol Szymanowski’s ballet performed under the Wielka Krokiew (ski jump) in
2012.
Every year the splendours begin with the street parade of the International Festival of Highland Folklore in Zakopane, European Regional Products Fair and Dudaski
Tłusty Czwartek (the last one with the participation of the President of the Republic of Poland, Andrzej Duda). Last year “Klimki” prepared a performance of a
highlanders weddingat the Karol Szymanowski’s Music Days, created an artistic setting for the World Youth Day, celebrations of the Polish community and highlander
Masses in the old church in Pęksowy Brzysk in Zakopane.
Their extensive educational activities also include lessons about the Podhale region.
They participate in many reviews and contests, often winning major awards. It often gives concerts for charity. The members also had the opportunity to visit
beautiful corners of Poland, Europe and in the 1970s they toured in North America.
The folk group leader is: Zofia Kubiniec-Stanuch
