Slavatycze

Sławatycze is a village in the Lublin Voivodeship, within Biała Podlaska County, situated on the Bug River in the Kodna Plain region. Historically a magnate-owned town, it was part of the Brześć Litewski Voivodeship in the 18th century and belonged to the Biała Podlaska Voivodeship from 1975 to 1998. According to the 2011 census, the village had a population of 1,104. The history of Sławatycze dates back to 981, when the area was conquered by Vladimir the Great. Over the centuries, the region changed hands multiple times, influenced by Ruthenia, Poland, and the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. It received town rights in 1577, but after the Third Partition of Poland in 1795, Sławatycze came under Habsburg rule. The community actively participated in various national uprisings, including the January Uprising, which led to the loss of its town rights. During World War II, the residents endured brutal Nazi occupation, including the establishment of a ghetto for the Jewish population. The modern architecture of Sławatycze is rooted in its historic urban layout, featuring a market square surrounded by buildings, including a Neo-Renaissance parish church and an Orthodox church. A unique local tradition is the custom of "brodacze" (bearded men), observed in the final days of the year, where young men dress in colorful costumes and go caroling from house to house. This tradition has been recognized as part of Poland's intangible cultural heritage. In sports, the village is represented by the Gminny Ludowy Klub Sportowy Perła Sławatycze, which competes in the Biała Podlaska Class A league. The Bug River cycling trail offers a tourist attraction, inviting exploration of the surrounding areas. Sławatycze showcases a rich history and traditions that remain vibrant within the local community.