For the third time, the event will begin with a costume march through the streets of Toruń's Old Town, with a presentation of the ritual of walking with a goat from 12:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. The ritual, still practiced in Kuyavia, was added to the National List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2020. It derives from a pre-Christian tradition associated with the farewell of the Old and welcome of the New Year and pagan festivities of the turn of winter and spring. A group of cross-dressers wandered from house to house in the countryside during the ushering in of the autumn. According to traditions stemming from folk culture, the ritual had to be paid for with a so-called ransom - food (doughnuts, pies, eggs, cakes, sausage or pork fat) possibly money or alcohol to bring the expected result. And at the end there was a party in the tavern. Among the masqueraders we find animals - a goat, a bear, a horse and a stork, as well as various individuals like a bride and groom, dual characters ("the living on the dead", "a grandfather on a woman"), a devil, death, a chimney sweep, a wireman, a soldier, a grandfather and others. The most important animal mascot is, of course, the goat.
This year's Shrove Tuesday dance will be held in the auditorium of the Youth Cultural Center in Toruń from 19:00-24:00. In the past, dance parties were very popular in villages, but today, it is in cities that the tradition of dancing to folk music is being revived. At our party, you will be able to dance to live music - the event will begin with an hour-long workshop of traditional dances (19:00-20:00). You will certainly be able to learn the kujawiak, mazurka, polka, oberek or cheer. Several bands will play at the dance: local bands from Toruń - agregandado and Skrzypkowie Dzielni, as well as formations from the province - Kapela spod Kowala and Kapela Chełmińska. The Dobrzeliniacy will perform as a special guest.
The party will last until 24:00.
Admission is free.
INVITE!
