Abstract: This paper explains the concept of ethnographic tourism and aims to showcase the tradition and folk culture of South-Eastern Poland, namely the 19th century practice of decorating both the interior and the exterior of buildings and other objects with intricate, floral patterns. It focuses on the village of Zalipie, its history and the genesis of the art form. It also showcases the entire Powiśle Dąbrowskie region as a major ethnographic tourist attraction.
Key words: folk culture, painted village, Zalipie, floral patterns, ethnographical tourism
Preface
Tourism and culture have always been closely related; cultural differences promote the development of tourism, which in turn exposes the general public to different cultures. Cultural tourism aims specifically to showcase the different ways of life of communities around the world, exhibiting their customs, religious beliefs and cultural heritage, all serving the express purpose of satisfying the cultural needs of their people. Amongst the motivations behind cultural tourism and travelling in general, the learning about different folk cultures is steadily raising in prominence.
Folk culture, as used by Bukraba, is defined as the sum produce fashioned within a given rural society and the collection of standards, norms and values developed by it.
Ethnographic tourism is strongly linked to folk culture, and as such, is very much dependant on what a given region can off er in terms of cultural heritage, local customs and rituals. It is very inconspicuous in emphasizing local practices, which is fundamental for its appeal. One might even say that accentuating the uniqueness of a local lifestyle, is what makes an area attractive to tourists. For the purpose of this work the term ‘cultural heritage’ will refer to the parts of folk culture and art, created and cultivated in the rural areas of Poland.
Passed on from generation to generation, cultural heritage is a mix of both material and immaterial, i.e. spiritual, parts of folklore. It can be divided into three main elements:
• Material culture – comprising of various utilitarian craft s such as: architecture, blacksmithing, plaiting, pottery and weaving. • Immaterial culture – folklore – specific dances and music, as well as customs, rituals, beliefs, local customary laws and aesthetics. • Folk art – sculpture, painting, embroidery, lace-making, weaving, paper- cutting, woodcarving and xylography, ornamental metalworking, toy-making.