Dubicze Cerkiewne

Dubicze Cerkiewne is a rural commune in the Podlaskie Voivodeship, within Hajnówka County. Until 1998, it was part of the Białystok Voivodeship. The commune's seat is a locality of the same name. From a demographic perspective, the commune is characterized by a low population—according to 2017 data, it was home to 1,567 people, the majority of whom are Orthodox Christians, with minorities belonging to various other denominations, such as the Pentecostal Church or Jehovah's Witnesses. The commune also stands out for having one of the lowest percentages of Polish nationals in the country, with only 16.63% of residents declaring Polish nationality and 81.33% declaring Belarusian nationality. The commune covers an area of 151.19 km², of which 46% is agricultural land and 45% is forested. The well-developed forest structure and rich fauna and flora make the area attractive for tourism. The commune includes various localities, such as Czechy Orlańskie, Długi Bród, and Rutka. It borders Belarus, which contributes to its unique cultural and social character. A distinctive feature of Dubicze Cerkiewne is the organization of various cultural events that reflect local traditions and customs with Belarusian roots. It is also worth noting that the commune plays an important role as a meeting place for religious and cultural communities, making it an interesting destination from an ethnographic perspective. The architecture of the localities often reflects traditional regional styles, and the presence of Orthodox churches highlights the religious aspect of the commune. Dubicze Cerkiewne retains a uniqueness that is worth experiencing by visiting local heritage sites and participating in cultural events that bring together residents and visitors.