Ptači kwas | Bird Wedding

The Bird Wedding (25 January) is particularly popular among children. It is a gift-giving custom in which the birds “thank” the children for feeding them during the winter.
On the evening before, children place plates on the windowsill. The next day they find pastries shaped like birds and nests or other sweets.

Originally, the custom was celebrated in Upper Lusatia and was later introduced to Lower Lusatia by nursery and primary school teachers. Since the 1960s, it has been a fixed part of programmes in many nurseries and primary schools. Children dress up as birds, parade through villages or towns, and present short cultural performances. In Sorbian nurseries, they wear regional wedding costumes and re-enact a traditional wedding party.

Since the late 19th century, evening events for adults have also been held, usually hosted by a wedding announcer. From the mid-20th century onwards, the Sorbian National Ensemble has shaped these programmes, often combining revue formats with folkloric elements. Performances take place across Lusatia, in Lower Lusatia often in connection with “Zapust” (carnival). Special professional performances are also developed for children.

Křižerjo | Easter riding

Easter riding processions are the most significant Sorbian Catholic custom and attract many visitors each year. They are not only a tradition but also a public expression of faith. Although rooted in Catholic practice, Protestant men also take part. Men dressed in formal black coats and top hats ride decorated horses. Singing hymns and praying, they process to neighbouring parishes to proclaim the message of the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Meja | Maypole

Spring custom; on the eve of 1 May, young people erect the maypole – a long, debarked tree trunk with a birch tree decorated with colourful ribbons, sometimes also a Sorbian flag, attached to its highest point, entwined with garlands and decorated with a fir wreath with ribbons below the top. In some villages in the Catholic region, Marian songs are sung after the tree has been erected. In the weeks leading up to the throwing, the maypole is guarded by the young people to prevent it from being sawn down prematurely by the youth of neighbouring villages.

In Upper Lusatia, the traditional day for throwing the maypole is a Sunday. The focus is on the competition to determine the May King. Beforehand, the young people dance under the maypole. In
many places, the girls wear traditional costumes. As soon as the tree is dug up and falls, the boys run for the top. The first one is crowned May King and chooses his May Queen from among the girls. The couple leads the procession of young people through the village to the fairground or inn, where they open the dance. In Lower Lusatia, the maypole often stands until St John's Day, when it is felled and auctioned off.

Sorbian Autumn Concerts – September / October / November

The series of autumn concerts has been an important part of Sorbian cultural life for decades. The concerts are organised by Sorbian amateur choirs and take place every year at numerous locations in the region, including our regional association. This promotes exchange between the regions and regional associations.

Borborka | Saint Barbara

On the eve of St Barbara’s Day (4 December), the figure of Borborka, dressed in a white bridal gown and accompanied by two “Ruprecht” figures, visits households with children and distributes fruit and sweets.