The group „Białcanie” started in 1994 in one of the most characteristic villages of the Podhale in Białka Tatrrzańska. Today the folk group brings together young people and adults, derived from the children’s ensemble, which was established in Białka in the 1980’s. “Białcanie” present and cultivate folklore of Tatra highlanders, trying to keep the local traditions specific to the native village of the cultural uniqueness, which is expressed among others in the way of wearing elements of highlanders costumes, or certain customary behaviour.

The groups takes an active part in many cultural events, reviews and competitions taking place in Podhale, Poland, as well as abroad. The highlanders from Białka Tatrzańska will perform at the Zakopane festival for the first time in their history of activities.
During the festival competition the group will present a traditional highlanders wedding as they take place in Białka after the second world war. The wedding begins with the arrival of the groom, with friends, to the bride’s house, where the best-man’s speech and blessings of the parents take place.

After the return from the church begins the wedding feast, with highlanders singing and solo dances. In the evening “pytace”, groom and friends dressed in dark coats (“cuchy”) and they sing, initiating the rite, “cepowiny” and haggle with the head bridesmaid of the young bride. After receiving the ransom they give back the bride to the bridesmaid and that starts to begins “cepowiny.”

They take from the bride’s head the flower wreath and put on a scarf. This ritual action symbolizes the transition from the state of young maiden to the group of married women. After that the friends and wedding guests dance and sing with the bride. “Cepowiny” is the time to give wedding presents, or money. At the end the bride and groom dance together.

The group wish to be in the 1st category: traditional.