Pszczyna Local Customs

These are a true ornament of the woods in Pszczyna, to which they were introduced by Jan Henryk XI von Hochberg in 1865. They were there to aggrandise the hunts which were organised for the royal heads of all Europe. Kaiser Wilhelm II paid frequent visits to these meetings.

In the "Zubrowisko" reserve in Jankowice, with its area of 742 ha, live about 30 bison. The Pszczyna line of bison is regarded as one of the most important with regard to the genetic value of those raised here. Pszczyna bison played an important part in the reconstruction of the herd in the Bialowieski Park.

I think that you may say that bison is a sign of Pszczyna Region. It is connected to its history and contemporary times. And you may find bisons even on walls of the houses...

Self - governments in Poland usually organise some possibility to practice sport, not only during winter, but also in other seasons. However, during winter lots of cities and towns make ice rinks for people. They are often located, like in Pszczyna, in the center, on the main market square.

They usually show what credit cards are accepted at doors or windows of restaurants/stores - look at Fryk?wka Restaurant window on my picture: Visa, Visa Electron, Eurocard/Mastercard, Diner's Club and American Express are accepted there.

Tipping is not obligatory but appreciated in restaurants - approx. 10% - 15% is enough if you are satisfied about food and service.

Approx. 90 -95 % of Poland's citizens declare to be Roman Catholic. But not in Pszczyna.

Here there are Roman Catholics and Evengelics living together in peace for many years. No wonder that two main churches of Pszczyna old town: Roman Catholic and Evangelic are located almost one by one.

Silesian region including city of Pszczyna offers its own food. Potatoes are often grilled there. I mean they are boiled first, then cut into a few smaller pieces, wrapped up in aluminium foil and grilled on a grill or put in an oven for a little. Yummy :-)

Apart from holy masses, concerts take place inside evangelical church as you can see on my picture.

Haha, we were very lucky with Fernando (darthmilmo) to see and hear world famous Polish folklore band Slask (Silesia) inside evangelical church. There were no dances but impressive songs sang in amazing interior of great acoustic there. And what an applause of numerous spectators then.

It's not only Pszczyna custom but it seems that people there put colorful flowers in their windows quite often. At least more often than in my hometown Tychy - only 20 km (12 mi) away.
Anyway, it's always nice to look at them.

Kwaszaki (pronaunced: kva - scha - kee) is a local Pszczyna name for... look at my picture. There are sour cucumbers served there, in Frykówka Restaurant. Not my favourite dish but... quite eatable hehe.
I have never heard that exotic word "kwaszaki" anywhere else in Poland.