On December 23, 1944, Ochotnica Dolna witnessed one of its darkest days during World War II. In retaliation for a skirmish with Soviet partisans, a rear unit of the SS brutally pacified the village, killing over 50 residents, including nearly 20 children, and partially burning the settlement. This atrocity became known as the “Bloody Christmas Eve.”
Highlanders’ Spirit of Freedom and Patriotism
During a commemoration event marking the 80th anniversary of the tragedy, President Andrzej Duda emphasized the indomitable spirit of the Highlanders. For them, freedom and patriotism outweighed fear of the German occupiers. Locals supported partisan fighters, offering aid and shelter without betrayal, earning Ochotnica the name “Free Republic of Ochotnica.”
President Duda highlighted that German forces dubbed Ochotnica a “bandit village,” a label rooted in both disdain and fear. The occupiers avoided the mountainous terrain of Górna Ochotnica, where resistance meant death for intruders. This reputation underscored the villagers’ unwavering defiance.