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What is redyk?

If you think New Year’s Eve or Christmas are the most spectacular celebrations in the mountains, you clearly haven’t experienced redyk yet! This traditional pastoral ceremony is connected with sheep grazing in the mountains and is an especially important part of the culture of the Pieniny Highlanders. Redyk involves taking sheep up to the mountain pastures in spring and bringing them back to their farms in autumn. There are two types of redyk – the spring redyk and the autumn one. The latter is just around the corner, as it will take place on October 10 in Szczawnica (the sheep will be walking along Główna Street, right next to our hotel!). Whether you are a redyk veteran or this is your first encounter with the tradition, there are certainly still some things you don’t know about it!

Redyk in the Pieniny Mountains – what exactly does it involve?

The traditional ceremonies begin in spring, when the spring redyk takes place, also known as mjysoniem łowiec (“mixing the sheep”). Local farmers entrust their sheep to the baca (shepherd), who brings them together into one large flock (hence the name “mixing the sheep”) and then leads them to the mountain pastures for grazing. In autumn, the sheep are brought back down from the mountain pastures and returned to their owners. Redyk is important not only for practical reasons, but also as a cultural and traditional celebration. The Highlanders wear traditional clothing, while the entire ceremony takes place to the accompaniment of traditional Highland music.

Redyk in the mountains – interesting facts

This centuries-old tradition holds many fascinating secrets, but sometimes the most intriguing questions have less to do with deeply rooted traditions and more to do with practical matters! Here are a few of them.

Does the baca lead the flock to the pastures alone?

No! The baca is assisted by juhas, who take care of the sheep and perform their daily duties, as well as sheepdogs, which help herd the flock and keep it together. Teamwork is essential in the mountains!

If the sheep are all mixed together, how does the baca know which sheep belongs to which farmer?

The sheep are marked, for example on their ears, and nowadays they often have special identification tags and numbers. This makes sure that no sheep gets lost in the shuffle! Their numbers are also carefully recorded and monitored.

Does sheep grazing serve any purpose beyond milk production?

Yes! Redyk helps preserve the traditional mountain landscape. Grazing prevents parts of the mountain meadows from becoming overgrown and helps maintain the open spaces characteristic of the Pieniny Mountains.

A mountain stay with breakfast and a touch of luxury

If you are planning to visit this year’s redyk in Szczawnica, we warmly invite you to book your stay at Szczawnica Park Resort & SPA now. Our redyk offer combines luxury and relaxation with the traditions of the Pieniny Mountains. Staying at a hotel located directly along the street where the sheep will be led, combined with exceptional culinary experiences, makes for a truly unique stay. Delicious breakfasts and dinners featuring regional touches, along with unlimited access to our sauna area, swimming pools and jacuzzis, are just some of the reasons why our guests return to us time and time again.

We hope to see you in Szczawnica this autumn. We look forward to welcoming you!