Seton Hall’s Polish Club hosted an event celebrating the heritage of the Górale, the Polish Highlanders from the Tatra Mountains, on Tuesday, March 11. The University Center’s event room was transformed into a lively cultural hub, filled with traditional music, dance, and cuisine that showcased the traditions of the Polish community.
The event was designed to introduce students to the traditions of the Górale, a cultural group known for its spirited folk dances, intricate melodies, and distinctive attire. According to Isabelle Bubrowiecki, a junior social work major and the event coordinator for the Polish Club, the primary goal was “to teach people about Polish culture, specifically one of the most traditional and common Polish folk dances” and “to expose people to a tradition that they may not be aware of.”
Traditional Górale music filled the event room, creating an energetic and festive atmosphere. Paulina Malec, a junior social and behavioral science major in the dual degree occupational therapy program, and the Polish Club’s PR Chair, said that the music is lively and rhythmic, featuring instruments like the violin and cello.
“There is often rich and powerful singing that happens throughout the songs, reflecting the unique mountain spirit,” Malec said.
This music is deeply rooted in folk traditions and plays a central role in Górale heritage, which is why it is passed down through generations, often telling stories about mountain life. The songs are commonly played at festivals, gatherings, and weddings within the Górale community.
Members of the Górale performers, who the Polish Club brought in for the event, performed folk dances and wore traditional attire. Though Polish Club members did not wear the traditional dress, the performers did.
“The men were wearing wool pants and linen blouses. They also had thick decorated belts, and some wore traditional hats with a band made out of shells,” Malec said. “The women were wearing white blouses, long colorful skirts, and embroidered vests. They also wore traditional shoes called kierpce.”
These outfits reflected generations of cultural traditions and craftsmanship.
Following the performance, students were invited to participate in a short dance workshop, giving them a firsthand experience of the dynamic movements and communal spirit of Górale dance.
While the Górale shares many traditional Polish dishes, one delicacy from their region is Oscypek, a smoked sheep’s milk cheese unique to the Tatra Mountains.
“There are no specific dishes exclusive to Górale heritage, except for Oscypek,” Bubrowiecki said.
However, the Polish Club ensured that guests could enjoy other classic Polish dishes, such as homemade pierogi, which are popular across Poland.
Beyond the dancing and food, the event highlighted the importance of preserving and sharing cultural traditions, according to Malec.
“The Górale shared the purpose of their group, which was to keep Polish traditions alive while fundraising to help young children who were in need both in Poland and in their community in the USA,” Malec said.
Julia Wszolek, a senior psychology major and president of the Polish Club, emphasized how the event brought together both Polish and non-Polish students in appreciation of a unique culture.
“Celebrating Górale traditions allows us to connect with our roots and share a piece of Polish history with our peers,” Wszolek said.
Italia Wiley is a writer for The Setonian’s Campus Life section. She can be reached at italia.wiley@student.shu.edu.
