Whoever owns sheep, owns whatever they want, people used to say… The most spectacular and picturesque Autumn Redyk in the very heart of the Pieniny Mountains takes place in Szczawnica. This extraordinary celebration promotes the culture and customs of the Pieniny Highlanders, as well as centuries-old shepherding traditions. It is always held in the second week of October (Friday/Saturday).

Sheep have accompanied highlanders for centuries, forming an inseparable part of their lives and the foundation of the Pieniny region’s rich cultural heritage. Sheep farming has always been one of the main forms of traditional agriculture here.

The beginnings of shepherding in the Pieniny date back to the 15th century, with the arrival of the Vlach people. It is to the Vlachs that we owe the entire shepherding culture. To this day, on the mountain pastures, meadows, and clearings of the Pieniny, you can still see beautiful flocks of sheep, along with the baca (head shepherd) and juhas (shepherd’s assistants).

On April 23rd, the feast day of Saint Adalbert — patron saint of shepherds — the flocks are traditionally led up to the mountain pastures, where they graze until September 29th, Saint Michael’s Day. Their return is a major folkloric event and a perfect occasion to experience shepherding traditions first-hand.

During this colorful celebration, visitors can admire flocks of sheep driven through the streets by baca and juhasi, all to the lively sounds of highlander music.

The Autumn Redyk in Szczawnica enjoys enormous popularity. It is one of the most spectacular and traditional festivals in the Polish mountains — a chance for tourists not only to admire breathtaking scenery, but also to discover the local culture and the heritage of mountain shepherding.