The Corpus Christi procession in Myszyniec, located in the Kurpie region, remains a vibrant and integral part of Kurpian identity. This year marks the first time the procession is held following its inclusion on the National List of Intangible Cultural Heritage, a designation made by the Ministry of Culture in May.
“During Thursday’s Corpus Christi celebrations in Myszyniec, this recognition will be officially announced to the residents and participants of the procession,” said Maria Samsel, Director of the Museum of Kurpie Culture in Ostrołęka.
“The Corpus Christi procession in Myszyniec is a living tradition deeply rooted in Kurpian culture, dating back to 1774. Despite the passage of time, many of its elements have remained unchanged, bearing witness to the continuity of local heritage,” reads the description provided by the National Institute of Cultural Heritage.
It is noted that during the ceremony, priests wear vestments embroidered with regional patterns, the liturgy incorporates elements of the Kurpian dialect, and the procession features a monstrance dating back to 1731. It is also emphasized that the structure of the procession has remained consistent over the years, including the order of historic banners, religious floats (feretory), and standards, each associated with specific villages and families.
The distinctive character of the Corpus Christi procession in Myszyniec is further enhanced by the large number of participants dressed in traditional Kurpian folk costumes.
“There are numerous accounts and an extensive photographic archive documenting the event,” highlighted Director Samsel. She referenced, among others, black-and-white photographs from 1937 preserved in the archives of the former Polish Telegraphic Agency. She added that in all the photographs—both historical and contemporary—the engagement of local residents and their deep attachment to this tradition are clearly visible. “For them, it holds immense value and serves as a marker of their identity. There is no need to encourage any group to take part or prepare for the procession,” Samsel noted. She emphasized that this is proof the tradition is alive, enduring, and faces no serious threats to its continuation.
Inclusion on the National List of Intangible Cultural Heritage is also intended to promote respect and appreciation for this heritage and for the people who uphold it. “The procession is truly impressive. It also attracts many enthusiasts of folk culture and regional traditions. It is a symbol of the shared Kurpian heritage, and through its official recognition, it has now become part of the cultural heritage of the entire country,” stressed Maria Samsel.