Origins, Memories, and Traditions: The Polish Legacy in Linha Batista, Criciúma, Brazil
September 2025
The large wave of European colonization in the south of Santa Catarina began in the late 19th century with the arrival of several groups of immigrants. The arrival of these immigrants was encouraged by a policy of the Imperial Government aimed at occupying sparsely inhabited lands, and it was part of a broader context involving various regions and ethnic groups. According to the book published by IPHAN, O Patrimônio Cultural da Imigração em Santa Catarina (translation: "The Cultural Heritage of Immigration in Santa Catarina State"), 2011, p. 47: “Santa Catarina was the southern state that received the smallest share of Poles, who most often settled on the outskirts of already established German and Italian colonies.” The Polish presence in the southern region began within this context.
The neighborhood of Linha Batista, in Criciúma, a municipality in the state of Santa Catarina, Brazil, was one of the places chosen to receive Polish immigrants. Like other Polish communities in the region, it was established alongside areas predominantly inhabited by Italian immigrants. Despite the process of acculturation and the 135 years that have passed since the arrival of the first group, many of the cultural values brought by these immigrants continue to be respectfully preserved by their descendants. Read more »
Since 2021, I have had the opportunity to follow the most representative cultural activities that take place in the community. As a result, a large photographic collection was produced, documenting these cultural manifestations. It ranges from historical and documentary records to typical gastronomy, traditional clothing, folk dance, music, choral singing, commemorative festivities, rituals, religiosity, among others. Together, they reveal aspects that shape a rich collective imagination, observable through habits, customs, symbols, values, and traditions. In this sense, the work is organized into four distinct parts: ORIGINS – Polish colonization in southern Santa Catarina; MEMORIES – Collective memory, belonging, identity formation: foundations; TRADITIONS – Preservation of collective memory; and Final Considerations.
ORIGINS
Poland and Polish Colonization in Southern Santa Catarina
There were three major waves of immigrants who initially arrived in the region between 1890 and 1891, with the first group arriving on October 31, 1890. From Casimiro Tibincoski`s work, “História da Colonização Polonesa (translation: History of Polish Colonization), 1997, we have:
“This first group settled along the transversal road, or rather the trail that connected Linha Três Ribeirões and Linha Anta to Linha Batista, that is, what is today Corda Bamba and the surroundings of Cecrisa and Imbralit. ...
A year later, in January 1891, the second wave of immigrants arrived, heading toward Cocal via Linha Cabral, where they settled. ...
In May 1891, the last group of immigrants arrived, settling in Linha Batista, following in the footsteps of those who had moved inland. This last group was the most homogeneous, adopting a policy of good neighborliness, settling side by side, already thinking in terms of community. ...
Like other immigrants, the Poles also came to Brazil full of hope of finding here the promised land, so widely praised by Brazilian agents. What disappointment and surprise it was when they found only virgin forests, and instead of roads, a narrow trail that could only be traveled on foot; along which they had to build their shacks. ...
The great majority wanted to return; however, this was impossible, as the resources they had quickly ran out, and the assistance from the Brazilian government ceased after two months. They had no consulate in Brazil, since, as we know, Poland did not legally exist at the time.
The Poles came here as Russian or Austrian citizens.
This situation forced them to live fraternally as a community, for otherwise they would not have survived.” (pages 8–9).
These historical facts, in brief, outline part of the scenario encountered by the colonizing immigrants. Among the numerous historical sources available for research, the Pedro Milanez Municipal Historical Archive of the Criciúma Cultural Foundation holds rich documentation regarding this Polish colonization; among these are several interviews conducted in 1979 with descendants of these immigrants. These interviews were structured with questions and answers in a document entitled Questionário para entrevista de pesquisa histórico-sociológica (translation: “Questionnaire for Historical-Sociological Research Interviews”), which addresses various aspects of the reality faced by the pioneers, as well as some comparisons with the situation in the 1970s and 1980s. We highlight, for example:
Was there already a road, or only trails, or did they have to clear paths through the forest to reach the chosen location? "There were no roads; they followed some trails opened by the land surveyors and crossed many makeshift bridges made of fallen trees to reach the chosen site."Interviewee: João Thadeu Bialecki (son of Leonardo Bialecki and grandson of Francisco Bialecki), 11/17/1979, resident of Linha Batista.
What kinds of animals, birds, mosquitoes, snakes, and others do you remember the pioneers encountered? "Jaguar, margay, maned wolf, leopard, anteater, tapir, capybara, lion, paca, agouti, monkey; birds: great tinamou, guan, toucan, curassow, parrot; mosquitoes: gnats; snakes: coral snake, tiara, jararacuçu, jararaca." Interviewee: Vladislau Bialecki (son of Leonardo Bialecki and grandson of Francisco Bialecki), 11/18/1979, resident of Linha Batista.
What kinds of trees and other plants do you remember the pioneers encountered? "Peroba, cinnamon, cedar, and fig trees." Interviewee: Edmundo Formanski (son of Teófilo Formanski), 11/04/1979, resident of Linha Cabral.
Do you know anything about the prayer habits in the pioneer family/families? "They prayed the rosary every night and said prayers at home, because at that time there was no church." Interviewee: Casemiro Demboski (grandson of a pioneer immigrant from the Demboski family), 11/06/1979, resident of Linha Batista.
Can you explain the origin of the name of the ethnic colony, of the place they founded? "The name Linha Batista originated from the surveyor who opened that line. His name was João Batista." Interviewee: Casimiro Tibincoski (son of Simão Tibincoski, pioneer immigrant), 11/11/1979, resident of Linha Batista.
Certainly, the difficulties encountered were numerous, including the very adaptation to the new environment: terrain, soil, climate, fauna, and flora. The lack of tools and utensils suited to their needs was only part of the problem. Language, interpersonal relationships, habits and customs, the virgin forest, insects, venomous animals, and diseases were all part of the landscape to be conquered; for there was no way to turn back, and the only alternative was to face the challenges of those early times. The knowledge and skills brought with them were not always sufficient to meet the demands. Family, unity, strength, work, and faith were essential elements in rebuilding their new life.
In his thesis in Clinical Psychology, O sofrimento de imigrantes: um estudo clínico sobre os efeitos do desenraizamento no self (translation: The Suffering of Immigrants: A Clinical Study on the Effects of Uprooting on the Self), 2005, Maalouf reflects on migrations:
”Between emigrating and immigrating lies an ocean of seas, barriers, different codes, climates, languages, customs, and ways of being. Crossing this ocean is not easy; it is not enough for the ship to arrive, nor for the train to take one to temporary lodging. Becoming rooted again may or may not occur”.
From Casimiro Tibincoski’s book, we also have:
"After the first year, the situation began to improve somewhat; the land produced food, and hunting and fishing were abundant. Money was scarce, however, so once the planting was done, the family tended the crops while the head of the household went in search of work that would provide enough to buy what the land did not produce. ...
THE COMMUNITY ORGANIZES
Having overcome the initial difficulties, the community began to organize itself, with the goal of building a chapel and a school. ...
The Poles of Cocal, who were already more developed, with a small business and a small Italian chapel, and with the help of immigrants from Linha Torres, Linha Cabral, Segunda Linha, and, of course, Linha Batista, built a much larger chapel, dedicated to Saint Hedwig. This church later served as the main parish for some time. ...
THE SECOND GOAL
The great majority of Polish immigrants were literate, although not in Polish; it depended on which part of Poland they came from. For example, my parents came from opposite sides. My father, Mr. Simão Tibincoski, came from the part occupied by Russia; he was literate in Russian and, in addition to Polish, also spoke Russian. My mother, on the other hand, came from the part occupied by the Prussians; she was literate in German and spoke German, as did many other immigrants.
Once the initial housing difficulties were overcome, the Polish immigrants began to focus on their children’s education. Unable to build schools, the children gathered in private homes for their first lessons. Since no professional educators had been brought, teachers were chosen from those who knew the most. In this way, Mr. João Machisnki and Gabriel Bartosiak in Linha Batista, João Wranki and Casimiro Kubascki in Cocal, and Jacob Sklarski in Linha Anta took on the role of teaching in Polish, with all expenses borne by the students’ parents—a heavy burden at the time, but worthwhile.
With the arrival of a Polish priest, education improved. Father Francisco founded a library, provided books and magazines, and contacted the press in Curitiba. Many farmers subscribed to the newspaper published there, and Father Francisco himself gave free lessons to the immigrant children. The most significant advancement came in 1915 with the arrival of a couple of intellectuals: Dr. Estanislau Werpachovski, an engineer, and Helena Grzwinski, a university-level teacher.” (pages 9–11)
The years passed: children arrived, then grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. The community grew, new opportunities and challenges emerged, and a rich history was being built. Surely, memories of the homeland became increasingly distant, giving way to a new way of life for individuals, families, and communities. From the land came food: cassava, corn, fruits, and vegetables; from the animals, they obtained meat, fat, milk, eggs, leather, and sometimes labor power. Trade and techniques gradually improved, and tools slowly brought dynamism to processes. Religiosity was certainly a safe harbor in all moments, as well as a source of renewal of faith. It was a point of convergence and comfort, a place of unity and support, necessary to regain strength to face the harsh fate life had reserved for them. During festivities, it was possible to celebrate the local cuisine that the land provided. Music, songs, and dances recalled the traditions brought in their luggage.
MEMORIES
Collective Memory: foundations
Underlying this history, the adaptation process required great resilience, persistence, hard work, solidarity, and unity—fundamental qualities for transforming adversities into opportunities, making it possible to establish new roots in southern Santa Catarina. Despite this, they maintained traditions, language, the Catholic religion, and ways of life, organizing themselves while adapting to local knowledge. This process involved a degree of identity preservation, but also cultural reinvention through contact with other cultures.
On this topic, in the article Memória coletiva, identidade e colonização (translation: Collective Memory, Identity, and Colonization), the Brazilian historian and anthropologist Giralda Seyferth describes the following excerpt:
The notion of identity has a long trajectory in the fields of social sciences and psychology, and here it is relevant to note its conjunction with ethnicity. Weber (1991) was one of the first social scientists to incorporate ethnic consciousness into the experience of migration, highlighting its sense of belonging to a community or collectivity, without naturalizing symbolic difference. This leads to the subsequent discussion of ethnic identity, treated as a social construction that produces effects on the lives of individuals and communities. There are various ways to think about ethnicity—including analytically—but for the purposes here, it seems most useful to retain only one of its multiple facets: that which concerns the forms of representation and action that support ethnic identity through the perception of cultural distinctiveness. This identity is collective, assuming recognition of belonging to a group or community, and individual, because it signifies the person within society. Identity, like memory, cannot be entirely detached from the objective reality that serves as its foundation. Hence the necessary initial reference to the formation of ethnicities in the context of colonization.
The new environment and coexistence with other immigrants required mutual concessions and renegotiations, as well as the establishment of new bonds and interdependencies. The landscape gradually took shape as a consequence of these interactions, and new meaningful elements began to exist and integrate into the surroundings, forming visible expressions of the emerging society, reflecting the characteristics that linked them to their identity.
In his thesis, Maalouf (2005) cites Gilberto Safra:
"The ethnic record presents sensory and cultural characteristics that define a particular people, a specific community—for example, smell, taste, color, rhythm. Within it, we find the most fundamental elements in the constitution of the self. It is the most enduring record and preserves the memory of the place that was a person’s original home. In this record, the place is the self."
Furthermore, from his own reflections, Maalouf adds:
"In ethnic objects, there is a specific type of transitional object, insofar as they serve as a connection between the person and their ethnicity—presence of the self, presence of the ancestors, of others—reconnecting the individual with their origin."
Facts, memories, characters, stories, tales, and legends are part of this memory; not only those brought from the land of our pioneering ancestors, but also those that time has been weaving here, amid the transformations and experiences of this new land. From this fusion of what was inherited and what was built, traditions emerge that span generations and, as they are preserved, strengthen the sense of belonging and collective identity.
TRADITIONS
Belonging and identity
Adaptation to the environment, coexistence with the new reality, and the influence of other cultures over time shaped the landscape: a space that became their new homeland, manifesting in different aspects of the lives of their descendants. In other words, the pillars established by preceding generations continue to live on through their heirs.
From Durkheim (1999), we have:
The set of beliefs and feelings common to the average members of a given society forms a specific system that has its own life; it can be called the collective consciousness or common consciousness. Undoubtedly, it does not have a single organ as its substrate; by definition, it is diffused throughout the society, yet it does not possess specific characteristics that make it a distinct reality. Indeed, it is independent of the particular conditions in which individuals find themselves; they pass away, and it remains. It is the same in the North and the South, in large and small cities, and across the most diverse professions. Likewise, it does not change with each generation; on the contrary, it links successive generations to one another. It is therefore something entirely different from individual consciousness, even though it only manifests in individuals. It forms the psychic type of society, a type that has its own properties, conditions of existence, and mode of development, much like individual types, though in a different manner. (…) There exist within us two kinds of consciousness: one contains the states that are personal to each of us and characterize us, while the states encompassed by the other are common to the entire society. The first represents only our individual personality and constitutes it; the second is of a collective type and, consequently, belongs to the society without which it would not exist. When an element of this latter type determines our conduct, we do not act in pursuit of our personal interest, but rather pursue collective ends. (DURKHEIM, 1999, 9th ed., pp. 74–76)
I clearly remember the first time I watched the dance of the Orzeł Biały Polish Folkloric Group, purely out of curiosity. It was in November 2021, at Nações Shopping in Criciúma, during one of their numerous performances that I had the privilege of attending in the following years. It was contagious to appreciate the energy of the music, the beauty of the dances, and the various rhythms that the couples performed—rhythms that, until then, were completely unknown to me. I also recall observing the meticulous care in their costumes, impeccably prepared for the occasion. At the end of the performance, I greeted the coordinators and some of the dancers, and it was precisely there that the photographic work I present today began.
I had the opportunity to follow several rehearsals and performances over nearly four years, as well as various other cultural activities taking place in their community: Linha Batista, located in Criciúma, southern Santa Catarina. This resulted in a rich collection of photographic images, capturing aspects of the cultural values inherited from the Polish ancestors, which today continue to be preserved by their descendants. Below, I highlight some general aspects: symbols, language, dance, traditional costumes, singing, festivals, gastronomy, education and teaching, religiosity, houses, and the Social Hall of the Orzeł Biały Society.
1) The Symbols
Cultural symbols act as visible markers of belonging, establishing a link between the present and the past, between descendants and the immigrants who founded the community. Present in various contexts—such as paintings, sculptures, photographs, and ornaments—they signal the persistence of a shared collective memory. This is the case of the Flag and the Coat of Arms of Poland, the most important national symbols, frequently preserved and valued by communities of Polish origin.
The white and red flag, as well as the coat of arms featuring the crowned white eagle, express not only aesthetic value but also deep historical, symbolic, and emotional significance. They evoke the memory of a homeland, a language, a way of life, and the values that immigrants brought with them—and that, over time, were integrated into the local reality by subsequent generations. Their presence in homes, in the community hall, in the church, at traditional festivals, and in everyday life reinforces ethnic identity and the sense of belonging to a shared cultural heritage.
Each element of these symbols carries its own meaning. The crowned white eagle represents strength, courage, nobility, and freedom—attributes that have historically shaped the Polish people’s imagination. The color white refers to purity and nobility, while the red background of the coat of arms symbolizes sacrifice and bravery. The Polish name Orzeł Biały, meaning “White Eagle,” dates back to the 13th century and is linked to the heraldry of the Piast dynasty, the first rulers of Poland—a symbol that has crossed centuries, carrying with it the idea of historical continuity and cultural resilience.
Regarding the legendary origin of the “White Eagle,” Casimiro Tibincoski (1997) tells us:
A legend tells us that, at the end of the 8th century, there lived three brothers dedicated to agriculture and livestock. As their herds and families grew, the land became too small for everyone, so they decided to divide everything equally. Each one then went his own way.
The eldest, named Lech, headed west. After traveling for weeks and months, he reached a very pleasant place and decided to stop for a while to rest and gather strength to continue his journey. Then he saw, at the top of the tallest tree, a nest with a beautiful white eagle teaching its young to fly. He stopped, reflected, and said:
— Just as this eagle lives happily with its young, I too will live happily with my people, and it is here that a great nation will be born.
And so he gave this place the name Gniezno, which means “nest.”
Legend or coincidence, in reality, we do not know. What we do know for sure is that the city of Gniezno still exists today, and that it was the first capital of Poland and the first bishopric, while the white eagle became the national symbol.
More than mere visual representations, these emblems function as authentic devices of collective memory; they update the past in the present, creating a symbolic continuity between ancestors and descendants. When displayed at traditional festivals, parades, and religious celebrations, they reaffirm the value of cultural origins in the broader society and keep alive a collective imagination that resists oblivion. Thus, the symbol transcends its representative function and becomes a living link between times and territories—between what once was and what still endures.
2) The Language
Words, expressions, phrases, and songs in Polish can still be found in both public and private contexts in the region, reflecting the persistence, albeit partial, of the language or dialect among the descendants of the immigrant settlers. This linguistic presence appears, for example, in street names, family surnames, traditional dishes, music, songs, publications, and cultural promotional materials.
The preservation—though limited or fragmented—of the immigrants’ language constitutes a living expression of cultural memory and collective identity. Although the passage of time has reduced its daily use, and today it is maintained by only a few, the language endures as a symbolic link between generations, evoking belonging and ancestry. Its continuity reveals both the conscious or unconscious effort of older generations to transmit values, traditions, and ways of life through language, and the interest of younger generations in reconnecting with ancestral knowledge. In this way, it forms a continuous process of intergenerational transmission, in which language acts as a guiding thread of cultural heritage.
Language establishes a profound bond between individual identity, the group, and its origins, reinforcing the sense of belonging. Moreover, it supports other dimensions of ethnic experience, consolidating itself as an intangible heritage of great value to the community. By providing descendants with a sense of historical continuity, language enables the preservation of distinct cultural traits, setting them apart from the broader sociocultural context in which they are embedded.
3) The Dance
In Poland, folk dances hold a very strong place in culture and popular traditions, with each city or region having its own specific music and dance. Folk dances are subdivided into National: Krakowiak, Oberek, Kujawiak, Polonez, and Mazur; and Regional, which encompass all other dances from the country. In addition, the so-called Suita, also referred to as a “Potpourri,” is a set of excerpts from songs of various cities or regions, with a longer duration, showcasing a more complex arrangement of dances from that area.
In the article “Linha Batista: Cradle of Polish Colonization,” included in the book “Cermoful 60 Years, 60 Stories,” there is a concise record of the formation of the folk dance group and the community choir, highlighting their importance in preserving the cultural traditions of Polish origin.
The Poles who settled there had strong ties to cultural and religious traditions. Very early on, they sought to maintain popular and religious songs and celebrations in Polish, which led to the formation of a choir in 1970.
In 1979, in preparation for the centennial celebrations of Criciúma’s colonization, which would take place the following year, and encouraged by public authorities, a group of dancers of Polish descent was founded. Their first performance took place on January 6, 1980. Rehearsals became frequent, and from that day forward, the group never stopped. The creation of the folk group inspired the founding of the Orzeł Biały Society, whose symbol is the white eagle.
The association’s president, Arlindo Milack, explains that the entity maintains the choir, the folk dance group, and is responsible for organizing religious, gastronomic, and social events to preserve culture. The calendar also includes the festive Mass in honor of Poland’s patron saint, Our Lady of Częstochowa, celebrated on August 26. “We seek to keep our traditions alive through music, song, and gastronomy,” he emphasizes.
The Folk Dance Group has 25 dancers, most of them descendants of Poles, who rehearse weekly. Adriano Vieira Goulart and his wife, Sirlei Novak, coordinate the group. The synchronization among the members and the beauty of the costumes, which are original from Poland, captivate the audience in every performance. A choreographer from Curitiba is responsible for updating the dances.
Throughout its existence, the Polish Folk Group Orzeł Biały has performed within its own community, Linha Batista; at events in the municipality of Criciúma—especially at the Festa das Etnias – Quermesse de Tradição e Cultura; in several municipalities of the region; at the Encontro das Nações in Florianópolis, SC; at the National Festival of Folk Dances in Blumenau, SC; the International Folklore Festival in Nova Petrópolis, RS; among others.
It is also noteworthy that the Group receives visits from other dance companies. During the preparation of this work, I accompanied two such occasions:
- In 2023, the ZPiT Politechniki Warszawskiej (Song and Dance Ensemble of the Warsaw University of Technology), one of the oldest and most representative university folk groups in Poland, presented the show “We Draw Through Dance”, featuring a vibrant repertoire that explores different regions of Poland. The dancers and singers were accompanied by their own musical ensemble, consisting of wind instruments, accordion, violin, and double bass. The choreography, created by renowned director Janusz Chojecki, offered the audience a dynamic and engaging performance; and
- In 2024, it was the turn of JUPEM – Polski Zespół Folklorystyczny z Erechim (Polish Folkloric Group of Erechim), recognized as one of the main representatives of the preservation and dissemination of Polish culture in southern Brazil, especially in the Alto Uruguai region of Rio Grande do Sul;
In both visits, the groups took part in various activities in the city and performed at ACIC – Criciúma Business Association.
In the repertoire of the Polish Folk Group Orzeł Biały, the following dances stand out*:
Krakowiak
It is one of Poland’s national dances, of popular origin, emerging from the southern region of the country. Its current form has been known since the 15th century, and its name derives from the city of Kraków, the former royal capital of Poland. Considered the oldest of the Polish national dances, the Krakowiak began as a peasant dance but was soon adopted by the nobility and, over time, spread throughout the country, becoming a national symbol. It is a dance characterized by fast, firm, and decisive movements, with a syncopated rhythm and vigorous sideways steps. Its dynamic creates an energetic and proud atmosphere, evoking martial dexterity, with quick and lively choreographic changes. Usually danced in pairs, the Krakowiak recalls wedding festivities and collective celebrations, combining elements of elegance and bravery. Due to its expressiveness and unmistakable style, it is regarded as the most emblematic dance of Polish folklore.
Oberek
Also known as Obertas, Drygant, Okrąglak, Round, Rozbrycie, Wyrwany, Wyrwas, among other names, it is the fastest of the Polish national dances. Its name derives from the rotational movements, rather than from a specific region, as is the case with dances like the Krakowiak, Mazur, or Kujawiak. The Oberek was popular in villages across various regions of Poland, especially in Mazovia and the Radom area. It was typically danced at parties, weddings, and folk games. This is a very lively and energetic dance. In the past, performances of the Oberek stood out particularly for the continuous and intense spins around the hall, performed both clockwise and counterclockwise. The most enduring dancers were admired for keeping pace with the musicians for long periods—they could dance for over half an hour without stopping, changing partners only over time. This feat was a source of admiration and prestige among those present.
Kujawiak
It originates from the Kujawy region and was frequently danced at weddings and rural celebrations, usually as the final dance of the event. By the end of the 19th century, it also became accepted in aristocratic ballrooms, transforming into a ballroom dance present at elegant soirées. It is a slow, melancholic, and gentle dance, marked by a slight curvature of the body and undulating movements that appear intermittently throughout the choreography. The Kujawiak is the slowest of the Polish national dances. Its melody reflects the landscape of the Kujawy region—with long, flat, and monotonous fields—which contributes to its contemplative and lyrical tone. The dance movements are free-flowing and gliding. Couples move smoothly, with gentle sways and delicate turns. On many occasions, the music’s tempo accelerates, and the Kujawiak evolves into an Oberek, a faster and more dynamic dance. Among all the Polish national dances, the Kujawiak was the last to be officially included in this group.
Góralski
It literally means “Highlanders’ Dance,” originating from the rugged mountains in southern Poland, specifically the Podhale region, whose cultural center is the town of Zakopane. The music, dances, and folklore of Podhale differ significantly from the rest of Poland, showing strong nomadic influences and unique characteristics in both rhythms and costumes, as well as in musical instruments. The highlanders dance wearing traditional costumes: leather shoes, hand-embroidered clothing, ornamented leather belts, and the traditional ciupaga—a small axe that was once a tool for lumberjacks and is now used as a stylized support in the dance, functioning as a kind of rhythmic cane. The Góralski is a dance that highlights the male dancer’s skill, strength, and creativity, as he performs complex steps, rapid turns, and acrobatics, always aiming to impress and win over his partner. The female dancer, in turn, spins gracefully around the man in a game of seduction and balance. This dance expresses not only the joy and pride of the highlander culture but also the strong connection of the Górale people to their roots, landscape, and traditions.
Polonaise (Polonez in Polish)
It is a ceremonial and solemn dance of popular origin that evolved from an old wedding dance called the Chmiel. This dance was accompanied by a traditional song that evoked rhythmic, processional steps and celebrated the wedding as a rite of passage. Over time, the dance became known by different names in various regions of Poland, such as "andante," "antique," "passante," "slow," "round," or simply the “Polish dance”—all indicating its slow, elegant, and ceremonial character. During the 17th and 18th centuries, the Polonaise was adopted by the courts of the Polish and European nobility, becoming an opening dance at formal balls and a symbol of grace, order, and patriotism. Its choreography consists of slow, deliberate movements, performed in pairs, with graceful gestures and an upright posture. Even today, the Polonaise remains alive in important events, such as the Studniówka, the traditional Polish high school ball held 100 days before the Matura (the final exam equivalent to Brazil’s ENEM). In this context, it marks the symbolic transition to adulthood and the closure of the school cycle. The Polonaise is also frequently associated with classical music, especially in the compositions of Frédéric Chopin, who transformed this genre into a profound expression of the Polish national spirit.
Mazur
It is a traditional dance originating from the Mazovia region, located in central Poland. Associated with the splendor and elegance of the old Rzeczpospolita (the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth), the Mazur reflects both popular liveliness and the aristocratic sophistication of Polish culture. In the dance, men express skill, vigor, and temperament, while women display lightness, grace, and refinement. The combination of lively steps, changes in direction, and syncopated rhythm gives the dance a character that is at once vibrant and noble. The Mazur was widely performed in the courts of the Polish nobility and later gained popularity in European salons, especially in France, where it became known as the Mazurka. Over time, this style integrated into both social dance and classical music, being immortalized in the compositions of Chopin. Beyond the dance itself, the Mazur inspired a vast repertoire of patriotic and lively songs throughout the 19th century, especially during the period of the Partitions of Poland. Among the best-known songs are “One More Mazur Today, Although at Dawn” and, above all, Dąbrowski’s Mazurka, which would become the national anthem of Poland: Jeszcze Polska nie zginęła… (“Poland has not yet perished…”).
Rzeszów
It is a folk dance that expresses the joyful and vibrant spirit of the people from southeastern Poland, especially from the Rzeszów region near the border with Ukraine. This dance is characterized by dynamic and vigorous movements, reflecting the vitality of the local rural communities. Typically performed by young people at parties and celebrations, the Rzeszów dance is filled with playful antics, improvisation, and acrobatics, in which the young men demonstrate their skills with the aim of impressing the young women—a traditional and entertaining form of courtship. Commonly known as the “Drunken Dance,” the choreography includes exaggerated gestures, theatrical stumbles, and comical simulations of drunkenness, always accompanied by laughter and encouragement from the audience. Despite its humorous nickname, the dance requires significant physical preparation and body control, serving as a display of energy, creativity, and a sense of humor. The Rzeszów dance keeps regional identity alive and preserves the festive character of Polish folklore, revealing the most relaxed and playful side of the country’s peasant culture.
In summary, the five national Polish dances can be characterized as follows:
- Krakowiak – Originating from Kraków. Rhythmic, with lateral and syncopated steps. A celebratory dance and a symbol of Polish folklore.
- Oberek – The fastest of the dances, full of spins and energy. Performed at parties, featuring acrobatics and vigor.
- Kujawiak – The slowest of the national dances: melancholic, smooth, and gliding. Often transitions into the Oberek.
- Polonaise (Polonez) – Solemn and ceremonial, with popular origins. Performed in parades and formal balls, associated with nobility and national dignity.
- Mazur (Mazurka) – Fast, elegant, and energetic. Originating from Mazovia, it became famous throughout Europe and in Chopin’s music.
Regional dances:
- Góralski – Dance of the highlanders from the Podhale region (Zakopane). Improvised, with complex steps and use of the ciupaga. Demonstrates strength, skill, and courtship.
- Rzeszów – From southeastern Poland, near the Ukrainian border. Joyful, playful, and theatrical. Known as the “Drunken Dance,” featuring comic gestures.
Regarding the regional Suites of Poland, we have:
- Suita Śląska: Regional dance from the vicinity of Śląsk (Silesia), an important area located near Kraków. Characteristics: Varied rhythms and choreographies, influenced by neighboring towns and countries. Style: Cheerful, dynamic, and multicultural.
- Suita Sądecka: Dances from the Nowy Sącz region in southern Poland, between the Czech Republic and Hungary. Characteristics: Farmers’ and artisans’ dances, with defined steps and varied rhythms. Style: Strong, expressive, with peasant roots.
- Suita Wielkopolska: Wielkopolska is located in the Warta River basin and is considered the birthplace of the Polish state. Characteristics: Regional festival dances with great rhythmic variety. Style: Proud and symbolic, expressing the struggle for national identity.
- Suita Kaszubską: Dances from the Kaszuby region in northeastern Poland, near the coastal city of Gdańsk. Characteristics: Choreographies reminiscent of the movement of the Baltic Sea. Style: Smooth or lively, always graceful and poetic.
- Suita Lubelska: Dance from the Lublin region in southeastern Poland. Main characteristics include sudden rhythmic changes, alternating between lively and cheerful to slow and romantic. Style: Varied and expressive. The traditional costume from Krzczonów, brought to Brazil by the Orzeł Biały Folkloric Group, stands out for its beauty and authenticity.
*Adapted from text kindly provided by the Orzeł Biały Polish Folkloric Group.
4) Traditional Costumes*
Polish traditional costumes are visible representations of regional diversity and the collective imagination of different communities in Poland. Passed down through generations, these garments preserve memories of a rural, communal, and festive way of life, and they continue to be worn in contemporary contexts as a means of celebrating heritage and affirming belonging. Each embroidery, color, and cut carries a fragment of the soul of a region, its people, and its history. Associated with seasonal rituals, religious festivals, dances, and popular celebrations, they form part of the country’s intangible cultural heritage. Each region imprints its garments with symbols of belonging and traces of its history.
Among the many existing costumes, the following are some details of the traditional attire used by the Orzeł Biały Polish Folkloric Group in their performances: Krakowiak, Rzeszów, Kaszuby, Lublin, Oberek, Góralskie.
Krakowiak – National Symbol of Lesser Poland
The Krakowiak is one of the most popular Polish dances, characterized by its lively and wild rhythm with broad, long, and easy steps. Kraków, the former capital of the Polish kings, is the birthplace of this dance. The Kraków costume is considered the national Polish costume. A dança Krakowiak originou-se na região de Kraków. O traje de Kraków é considerado o traje nacional polonês. Women’s costume: Originally simple, it was enriched in the 19th century with elaborate embroidery. The skirt is floral, and the vest is velvet and colorful. Women may wear a flower crown; married women wear a white headdress. Ribbons are attached to the right shoulder, and black mid-calf boots are worn. A colorful apron completes the outfit. Men’s costume: Men wear red-and-white striped trousers, reflecting the national flag. A sleeveless coat reaches the knees, made of wool or dark blue velvet with embroidery or bands. A leather belt with metal rings hangs from the coat, and a white shirt is worn underneath. Black boots and a red four-cornered hat decorated with ribbons and peacock feathers complete the ensemble.
Rzeszów – The Ornament of Subcarpathia
Located in southeastern Poland, the Rzeszów region in Subcarpathia is known for richly embroidered costumes that reflect peasant tradition and an appreciation for ornamental forms. Women’s costume: A white blouse with floral embroidery on the sleeves and collar, paired with a dark red or blue velvet vest decorated with floral motifs. The skirt is full and pleated, often striped in red, blue, and white, complemented by an embroidered white apron, white stockings, black shoes, and a colorful scarf or flower crown on the head. Men’s costume: A white linen shirt, dark blue embroidered vest with metallic buttons, wide light-colored trousers, and a colorful sash at the waist. Black boots and a decorated hat complete the attire.
Kaszuby – The Elegance of the North
The Kaszuby region lies in northeastern Pomerania near the Baltic Sea. Local sailors influenced the dances and costumes. Historically Germanized, the Kashubians preserved their Slavic culture, language, and traditions. Women’s costume: A blue skirt embroidered with flowers, white pleated apron, white blouse, green velvet vest, lilac shoulder scarf, green headcap, thick white socks, and black shoes. Men’s costume: White shirt, sleeveless moss-green coat with a red sash, black hat with red ribbon, beige trousers, and black knee-high boots.
Lublin – Tradition in the Heart of the East
The Lublin region in eastern Poland reflects diverse cultural influences, including Polish, Ukrainian, and Ruthenian elements. Costumes reveal this diversity through colors, fabrics, and embroidery. Women’s costume: White blouse with red and black embroidery on sleeves and collar, red vest adorned with ribbons and embroidery, striped earthy-toned skirt with colorful apron, floral headscarf, and red bead necklace. Men’s costume: White shirt, dark embroidered vest, wide striped trousers in brown, gray, or red, waist sash, leather boots, and medium-brimmed hat, sometimes ornamented.
Oberek (Mazovia) – The Dance and Movement Costume
The Oberek costume is associated with Mazovia (Mazowsze) and the high-energy folk dance of the same name, characterized by fast spins and jumps. The garments reflect this dynamism with vibrant colors and flowing shapes. Women’s costume: White blouse with embroidered details, fitted vest in red or blue, long heavy skirt with multicolored stripes (red, orange, blue, green), light or embroidered apron, headscarf or braided ribbons, and red bead necklace. Designed to move gracefully with the dance steps. Men’s costume: Simple white shirt, dark or embroidered vest, wide striped trousers in bright tones, crossed sash at the waist, mid-calf boots, and black hat. Adapted to match the expressive movements of the Oberek.
Góralskie – The Identity of the Podhale Highlanders
The Góralski costume is typical of the highlanders (Górale) from Podhale in southern Poland, near the Tatra Mountains, with Zakopane as the cultural center. Closely tied to pastoral and mountain culture, this attire is one of the most visually striking in Polish folklore. It represents regional pride, traditional music, vigorous dances, and community spirit. Today, it is worn at weddings, folk festivals, and tourist events. Women’s costume: White blouse with delicate floral embroidery on sleeves and collar, fitted red or green vest decorated with beads, sequins, and colorful embroidery, long full skirt with bright floral patterns or solid fabric with appliqués, embroidered apron, low shoes or boots, white patterned socks, silk scarf or braided flowers on the head. Men’s costume: White linen shirt, short wool jacket (cucha) richly embroidered with floral or pastoral motifs, beige wool trousers (portki) with black and red embroidery, wide red sash or leather belt with metal studs, black boots, and the iconic felt black Góralski hat often adorned with shells or feathers.
* Adapted from text kindly provided by the Orzeł Biały Polish Folkloric Group.
5) Singing
The Orzeł Biały Choir is an important expression of Polish culture in southern Santa Catarina. Founded by descendants of Polish immigrants, the group aims to preserve and promote the cultural heritage of their ancestors, particularly through choral music with traditional songs in the Polish language, keeping alive the memory and customs brought by the immigrants.
It maintains a close relationship with the community, as its members live in or have strong ties to the region. The choir frequently performs at religious events at the Linha Batista Church, as well as at cultural and educational events. Participation in multicultural festivals and immigration-related celebrations is also common.
Under the direction of Conductor Marina Leal, the choir is known for performing Polish folk songs—both sacred and secular—traditional hymns, and music celebrating significant dates in Polish history and the immigrant community in Brazil. The group also participates in cultural festivals, religious ceremonies, and exchanges with other ethnic groups in the region. Through these activities, it plays a key role in preserving cultural identity, maintaining the Polish language through music, transmitting cultural and religious values, and strengthening community bonds among descendants of Polish immigrants.
The costumes worn during performances reflect elements of traditional Polish culture, combining cultural identity with visual cohesion. Women wear three-quarter sleeve white blouses adorned with floral embroidery in shades of red on the front and sleeves, reflecting patterns typical of Polish folk art. The skirts are plain red, classic cut, and mid-length, paired with black shoes. Men wear white dress shirts and black trousers, complemented by a red sash draped over the shoulders—an accessory that reinforces the group’s visual identity, references the colors of the Polish flag, and creates a color dialogue with the women’s attire. The ensemble is completed with black dress shoes.
More than just a musical group, the choir plays a fundamental role in heritage education, passing on knowledge of the traditions, music, and stories that form the foundation of the local Polish culture to new generations.
6) Festivities
The festivities organized by the Polish community of Linha Batista are significant expressions of cultural memory and collective identity. Traditionally held in the Church Hall of Linha Batista or at the Octávia Búrigo Gaidzinski Cultural Center, these celebrations bring together descendants of Polish immigrants and the general public around gastronomic, religious, and artistic practices, reaffirming the cultural legacy left by the first settlers in the region.
Among the main events, the Cultural Night stands out, combining artistic performances, prize draws, and traditional cuisine. This initiative highlights local talent and promotes the dissemination of cultural elements inherited from the immigrants in an accessible and festive way. The Polish Traditional Lunch (Dzień Polski) is one of the most significant moments on the community’s annual calendar. Beyond offering traditional dishes, the event features performances by the Folk Dance Group and the Orzeł Biały Choir, demonstrating a strong commitment to preserving and valuing customs. One of the highlights of the celebration is the symbolic “ice-breaking” ceremony to reach a bottle of vodka—a unique ritual that serves as a metaphor for unity and collective effort to keep tradition alive.
The Opłatek, the Polish Christmas wafer-sharing ceremony, is one of the most emblematic moments of the holiday cycle, rich in religious and community symbolism. It represents unity, forgiveness, and fraternity, preserving a custom passed down through generations. The celebration begins with a welcoming reception. Alongside greetings, the meaning of the Opłatek and the Christmas Eve Supper in Polish tradition is explained—a solemn evening marked by closeness, love, and fellowship. The signal to begin is the appearance of the first star in the sky, recalling the Star of Bethlehem that announced the birth of Jesus. The table is prepared with straw, a white cloth, and a plate with the blessed Opłatek, symbolizing Jesus in the manger. According to tradition, twelve meatless dishes are served, without alcohol. A child is invited to light the candle, and the Orzeł Biały Choir sings the Christmas carol Dzisiaj w Betlejem (“Today in Bethlehem”), celebrating Christ’s birth. Following this, the Penitential Act, the Liturgy of the Word, and a Moment of Prayer are observed. The highlight is the sharing of the Opłatek, which in Polish tradition uniquely conveys the feeling of unity and solidarity. Each participant offers and receives a piece, accompanied by wishes for peace, health, and prosperity, reinforcing bonds of closeness and belonging. The ritual concludes with a shared meal, fostering conviviality around traditional Christmas dishes.
On a more informal note, the Polish Recreational Afternoon brings the community together in an atmosphere of joy and participation, with traditional foods, bingo, music, prize distribution, and games. This celebration strengthens emotional and intergenerational ties, allowing children, youth, and adults to connect with their cultural roots in a spontaneous and meaningful way.
More than simply repeating customs, these festivities play an essential role in renewing and reinforcing a sense of belonging, consolidating the preservation of a shared social memory. The continuity of these celebrations reflects not only the vitality of this cultural heritage but also its remarkable ability to adapt to contemporary social changes, establishing them as privileged spaces for intergenerational encounters, where memories, knowledge, and emotions are continuously transmitted, updated, and recreated through communal interaction and celebration.
7) Gastronomy
The gastronomy brought by Polish immigrants remains vibrant in the Linha Batista community and constitutes one of the pillars of cultural preservation among their descendants. Inherited from the first settlers, this cuisine carries not only the flavors of Poland but also a way of life marked by simplicity, the full use of local ingredients, and a deep connection to family traditions. In the book “Cermoful 60 Anos, 60 Histórias”, the article “Linha Batista: berço da colonização polonesa” records:
Gastronomy is also preserved by families. Cornbread, blood sausage, roasted meat, and Pierogi (a type of dumpling filled with curd cheese) continue to be prepared and highly appreciated in the local cuisine. Other dishes are included in the menu served during the annual gastronomic event.
Over the generations, many traditional dishes have been rescued and adapted, remaining present in daily life and, especially, during festive occasions. Among these moments, the Polish Traditional Lunch (Dzień Polski), held every year, stands out as a time when the community gathers to prepare food, celebrate, and reinforce their roots. Preserved recipes include:
- Pierogi: potato-based dumplings filled with curd cheese, served fried or with a white sauce;
- Bigos: stewed cabbage with smoked sausage;
- Gołąpki: cabbage leaf rolls stuffed with ground meat and rice;
- Czarnina: traditional soup made with duck blood, though in some modern versions goose, chicken, or pork blood is used;
- Kiszka: blood sausage (blood, fat, and offal mixed with buckwheat or barley, seasoned with onions and spices);
- Szynka: roasted pork leg;
- Kura uprużona: stewed chicken;
other side dishes include:
- Tłuczone ziemniaki: mashed potatoes with bacon;
- Chleb kukurydzy: cornbread;
- Mizeria: sliced cucumber, sour cream or plain yogurt, salt, pepper, dill, and optionally sugar, vinegar, or thinly sliced onion;
as well as pasta, rice, barbecue, and a variety of salads.
The continuity of these culinary practices reflects a communal spirit that transcends generations. In this shared space, ancestral flavors, knowledge, and craftsmanship transmit cultural values, strengthen affective memory, and reaffirm Polish identity in southern Santa Catarina.
8) Education and Teaching
The work of Casimiro Tibincoski, História da Colonização Polonesa (1997), provides important insights into education and teaching during the early years of the community. Briefly, I comment below.
Education in the Polish community of Linha Batista was characterized by the collective effort of immigrants to preserve the Polish language and culture while seeking integration into Brazilian society. In the early years, classes were held in private homes, taught in Polish by educators chosen from among the immigrants themselves, such as João Machinski, Gabriel Bartosiak, João Wranki, Cassimiro Kubascki, and Jacob Sklarski. With the support of religious leaders, such as Father Francisco, education gained more structure, including the creation of a library and encouragement of reading and the press.
The arrival of Dr. Estanislau Werpachovski and Helena Grzwinski Werpachovski in 1915 represented a qualitative leap: he was an engineer and pharmacist; she, a higher education teacher. They brought cultural advancements and founded the Tadeu Koscinszko Society, which later became the Rolnik Agricultural Society. Between 1930 and 1940, four teachers marked the local history: Iria Zandomênico, the first state-certified teacher in the community; Mr. Stanislau Gonet, responsible for teaching Polish; Mr. Witalis Stasiak; and Casimiro Stachorski, sent by the Central Union of Poles in Brazil. During this period, in addition to classes, there was intense cultural activity, including theater, choirs, and the construction of the Church of St. Casimir.
Due to the advancement of the nationalization policy in the 1930s and 1940s, the teaching of foreign languages was prohibited, and the community began to adopt Portuguese exclusively. Mining activities and interethnic marriages accelerated the acculturation of the population. In 1967, the Linha Batista Municipal Isolated School was built, later renamed Escola Isolada Ignácio Rzatki, in honor of the pioneer who owned the land. In 1982, teacher Maria Zélia Pagnam Rzatki became the first fully qualified teaching professional at the school. The evolution continued, and the institution became known as Escolas Reunidas Casimiro Stachurski, establishing itself as a local reference center.
Today, the Casemiro Stachurski Municipal School of Basic Education continues the community tradition, combining history and modernity. Located on Rodovia Leonardo Bialeck, it serves students from Early Childhood Education through Elementary School, with a multidisciplinary team and excellent infrastructure, providing comprehensive education and support for students’ social and emotional development.
9) Religiosity
The Polish immigrants who settled in Linha Batista carried a deeply rooted Catholic heritage. More than a spiritual practice, this religiosity was an essential aspect of their existence. Faith was not limited to individual beliefs: it was a pillar that supported collective identity and strengthened the social cohesion of the community. Casimiro Tibincoski, in his work História da Colonização Polonesa (1997), highlights:
As we have seen, the Polish people were very religious. The immigrants who arrived here were 100% Catholic. They first opted for a chapel, and since there were Poles in Linha Três Ribeirões and Anta, and the only access to Linha Batista was the current Corda Bamba road via Cecrisa/Imbralit, they built the first chapel at the corner of the two roads, which also served the residents of Linha Cabral. This happened in 1895, and they chose Saint Casimir as the patron, in honor of a Polish prince who renounced the Royal Crown to dedicate himself exclusively to God.
Faith and expressions of religiosity formed fundamental foundations in the lives of the first settlers, providing support in the face of the adversities of their context. On an individual level, they offered the necessary comfort to face daily life; on a collective level, gatherings, celebrations, and community practices strengthened bonds and mobilized efforts toward common goals. These values were crucial for overcoming the most difficult periods and for laying the foundations of what we can see and enjoy today.
A portrait of this reality can be found in the testimonies collected in 1979 through the Historical-Sociological Research Interview Questionnaire, applied to descendants of pioneer immigrants. These reveal, consistently, the deep religiosity that characterized the first Polish immigrants and how it remains alive, albeit with some transformations, to this day.
All accounts converge on the observation that the first immigrants arrived in the region with a strongly rooted Catholic upbringing. Catholic faith was central to their lives, considered an essential part of Polish identity. Devotion to figures such as Our Lady of Częstochowa was common, and religion extended beyond formal practices, permeating daily family life. The daily recitation of the rosary in many homes was a habit passed down from generation to generation.
In the early days, the absence of churches and resident priests significantly shaped religious practices. Families gathered at home to pray, with the rosary as the central devotion, and erected crosses that served as community meeting points. A priest’s visit was rare and eagerly anticipated, a moment when Masses, confessions, and baptisms were held—usually when priests traveled from distant locations, such as Tubarão. Family novenas also played an important role in maintaining religious life.
Over time, with the more frequent presence of priests, such as Father Francisco Czelinski, the community’s religious structure became consolidated. Masses, confessions, and communions became regular, especially with the establishment of brotherhoods. First Communion was a significant event, accompanied by celebrations that, despite differences in era and resources, always retained deep spiritual meaning. The celebration of Corpus Christi also stood out, with processions publicly demonstrating the community’s faith.
The priest then assumed a central role not only in religious matters but also socially. They acted as advisors and authorities on various issues, from family and community matters to decisions related to cooperatives and schools. Before a resident priest was established, church decisions were made by local councils; with the consolidation of the parish, the priest became a strong influence, seen as an enlightened figure capable of advising and mediating conflicts.
Over time, some changes became noticeable. The age for First Communion decreased, and religious celebrations became more frequent, driven by improved infrastructure and the constant presence of priests. Although Catholic faith remains predominant, the role of the priest today tends to focus more strictly on religious matters, unlike the broader engagement of early pioneers. Nevertheless, the search for spiritual guidance and the appreciation of pastoral leadership remain. Religious traditions such as devotion, Mass, First Communion, and processions continue to hold significance, connecting current generations to the spiritual and cultural heritage left by their ancestors and preserving the link between faith and Polish identity.
This sentiment materializes with the construction of the first chapel and the subsequent ones. In the article “Linha Batista: berço da colonização polonesa,” included in the work “Cermoful 60 Anos, 60 Histórias”, we find a concise record:
The first chapel was built near the Marli Subdivision, where Rua Antônio Daré is today, very close to its intersection with the Leonardo Bialecki Highway, in the Argentina neighborhood. Later, they planned to build a larger church and chose a more central location, inaugurating in 1930 the current community church, dedicated to Saint Casimir. The bell arrived from Poland some time later. The energy that powered the church was drawn from coal extraction wells. Only later, at the end of the 1960s, were poles installed to bring electricity to the community.
The Church of Saint Casimir in Linha Batista is one of the most significant landmarks of the presence of Polish Catholics in the region. Dedicated to Saint Casimir, patron saint of Poland and symbol of devotion and virtue, the church not only hosts religious celebrations but also functions as a space for community gathering, strengthening social bonds, and preserving cultural heritage. Festivals, processions, and liturgical celebrations have become landmark moments, reinforcing the deep connection between faith, culture, and social life.
Architecturally, the church presents itself as a simple masonry construction, with straight lines and modest proportions, painted in a cream tone, with wooden elements and details, such as the holy water font, benches, and the nave ceiling. The ceiling, clad in wood, features an impressive central cross formed by boards arranged diagonally from the center toward the four corners, creating a bas-relief that gives the space a visually striking and symbolically meaningful effect. The interior is further enriched by a Stations of the Cross distributed along the walls and oil paintings of sacred images brought from Poland, with the altar dedicated to the patron saint occupying a central position. On the sides, casement windows with translucent glass in soft blue and yellow tones filter the light, creating a welcoming and contemplative atmosphere. The main door, made of carved wood, reinforces the traditional and artisanal character of the building. In the front exterior area of the church, there is a copper plaque with the following inscription:
IGREJA SÃO CASIMIRO
Paróquia Nossa Senhora da Natividade
Diocese de Criciúma
Dedicação do Altar e da Igreja
“O Zelo pela tua Casa me consumirá” (João 2, 17)
No ano Nacional do Laicato, elevamos ao Senhor nossa ação de graças por todos os benefícios recebidos e gratidão aos que colaboraram na construção do novo presbitério desta igreja
PAPA FRANCISCO DOM JACINTO INÁCIO FLACH
Sumo Pontífice Bispo Diocesano
Pe. OSCAR PAULO PIETSCH
Pároco
LINHA BATISTA, CRICIÚMA, SC – 04 DE MARÇO DE 2018
Translation
SAINT CASIMIR CHURCH
Parish of Our Lady of the Nativity
Diocese of Criciúma
Dedication of the Altar and the Church
“Zeal for your house will consume me” (John 2:17)
In the National Year of the Laity, we offer to the Lord our gratitude for all the blessings
received and our thanks to those who contributed
to the construction of the new presbytery of this church
POPE FRANCIS DOM JACINTO INÁCIO FLACH
Supreme Pontiff Diocesan Bishop
Fr. OSCAR PAULO PIETSCH
Parish Priest
LINHA BATISTA, CRICIÚMA, SC, BRAZIL – MARCH 4, 2018
From the annual religious calendar linked to Polish culture at Saint Casimir Church, the most notable celebrations are those dedicated to Saint Casimir and to Our Lady of Częstochowa.
The Mass in honor of Saint Casimir is celebrated in March, traditionally close to the 4th, the date of the saint’s death (1458), patron of Poland. The celebration begins with the transfer of Saint Casimir’s image in a car procession, from the Community of Our Lady of Fatima, in Içara, to the church of Linha Batista. Inside the temple, the initial rite begins with the entrance procession of the godparents, specially invited by the community, followed by the liturgical procession composed of the priest and the ministers of the celebration. Finally, the image of the patron enters, carried by members of the community. It is a festive Mass, going beyond a strictly religious character, also incorporating a cultural aspect: preserving traditions, music, prayers, and symbols inherited from the Polish immigrants. It also becomes a celebration that inspires important reflections, such as the one given by Father Jadilson Tasca during the homily of the March 5, 2023 Mass, in which he highlighted the value of transmitting faith:
“It is so beautiful to see this manifestation of our faith, this public expression of our faith. And of course, by celebrating Saint Casimir, we also celebrate all the history that began back then, in Poland. May this history remain alive in our hearts, may this history remain alive in our faith. And it is necessary to understand that our ancestors — those who brought this faith — are already in eternal glory, but we, here, must write the next chapters of this history. That is why we must gather around our patron saint. When we celebrate our patron saint, we celebrate our faith and, above all, our community life.”
The Mass in honor of Our Lady of Częstochowa takes place annually at the end of August. It features the presence of the Orzeł Biały Choir, which performs traditional liturgical songs in Polish, and members of the Polish Folkloric Group Orzeł Biały, dressed in traditional costumes, who participate in the entrance procession carrying flags and sacred images. Among these, special mention is given to the oil painting of Our Lady of Częstochowa, brought from Poland by the pioneer immigrants. During the Offertory, members of the Folkloric Group bring bread and wine to the altar, which will be consecrated and become the Body and Blood of Christ. More than a liturgical celebration, this Mass is a moment of reaffirmation of faith, identity, tradition, and memory, keeping history alive and renewing the community’s sense of belonging.
Both celebrations mobilize the community, bringing together especially families of Polish descent. Among them, the elder members stand out as true guardians of memory and traditions, whose presence ensures continuity of history and strengthens the link between the community’s past and present.
In the surroundings of Saint Casimir Church, there are spaces that reflect both the social dimension and the historical memory of the community. To the right of the church stands the parish hall, a facility prepared to host large events, serving, for example, as the venue for the traditional Polish Typical Lunch held annually. This space plays an important role in maintaining cultural practices and promoting community life.
Behind the church lies the cemetery, a place of reverence and memory, where members of the community’s families, especially descendants of Poles, are buried. This site also constitutes an important symbolic element in the preservation of history, serving as a tangible testimony to the traditions, values, and life paths of those who contributed to the formation and consolidation of Polish cultural identity in the region.
10) The Houses
The interviews conducted in 1979 with descendants of immigrant settlers, recorded through the Questionnaire for Historical-Sociological Research Interviews, provide, in a concise way, valuable information about the first dwellings in the community, as presented below.
The houses built by the pioneers were, for the most part, made of wood and clay, with some covered in straw. Masonry was a less common alternative, usually adopted only when greater financial resources were available. In terms of layout, most houses had only one bedroom. However, some wooden residences, depending on the size of the family, could include more rooms. Lighting was quite limited, relying mainly on kerosene and candles, and, to a lesser extent, gas. There was no electric power grid, which restricted the use of lighting and other resources. For water supply, it was common to manually dig wells and channel water from the hills into tanks. Water was transported in buckets or, in some cases, with hand pumps. In certain situations, water was piped directly into the kitchen, but this practice was still uncommon.
Over time, with the development of infrastructure, the descendants of the pioneers began to build houses primarily with wood and masonry, reflecting the greater availability of materials and improvements in living conditions. Today, the residences are equipped with electricity, which provides not only better lighting but also access to household appliances and other modern conveniences that ease daily life. The water supply system has also improved: most houses now have running water, although in some properties wells are still in use—now equipped with more modern and efficient pumping systems.
Although a few old houses remain well preserved in Linha Batista, very few constructions from that early period have survived. This photographic work records some of these remaining houses, material witnesses of a time marked by hardship and resilience.
11) The Social Hall of the Orzeł Biały Society
The Gaidzinski family built the Octávia Búrigo Gaidzinski Cultural Center, originally designed to host the Polish Folkloric Group Orzeł Biały. With the later amendment of the bylaws, the place came to house the Orzeł Biały Society, preserving its vocation as a broad venue for cultural events.
Right at the entrance, a plaque dated May 15, 1999, presents the poem “Rebirth”, written on December 28, 1990, by Octávia Búrigo Gaidzinski:
Quero demolir os alicerces da vida.
Quero ser livre como o vento,
Um fio de memória, germe de sonho!
Amanhece outro dia...
Meus olhos anoitecidos abraçam as lacunas do tempo.
Espectros antigos abandonam os escombros.
No outro lado do tempo minha alma renasce!
Translation
I want to demolish the foundations of life.
I want to be free like the wind,
A thread of memory, seed of a dream!
Another day dawns...
My weary eyes embrace the gaps of time.
Ancient specters abandon the ruins.
On the other side of time, my soul is reborn!
The main hall, built with exposed brickwork, features a stage and a large area for the audience, adaptable to different uses. The decoration combines oil paintings by local artists portraying Polish traditions, photographs documenting the trajectory of the Polish Folkloric Group Orzeł Biały, images of historical and legendary figures of Poland, and traditional costumes. Among the highlights, two large photographs pay tribute to Octávia Búrigo Gaidzinski and her son Edson Gaidzinski, the visionaries and key figures behind the construction of the Headquarters. Also noteworthy is an image of Our Lady of Częstochowa, offered by Edna Gaidzinski Bastos during the 2nd Cultural Night in 2022. It is a handmade Polish tapestry, a gift that Edna had received from her mother, Octávia Búrigo Gaidzinski, and kept in her home for years.
The building also houses other facilities. On the right side are the industrial kitchen and the room designated for storing the costumes used by the Group in their dance performances. At the front, two rooms stand out: one dedicated to preserving old photographs, trophies, and awards won by the Group, as well as books in the Polish language and works by various authors — including publications by Octávia Búrigo Gaidzinski herself; and another that gathers objects, instruments, and tools used by the pioneer immigrants, forming a true memorial in honor of the Polish settlers.
FINAL CONSIDERATIONS
Between the visible and the invisible, between what can be touched and what can only be felt, this work, through photography and memory, offers a perspective on the Polish material and immaterial heritage in Linha Batista, Criciúma. On one hand, there are objects, buildings, traces, and symbols that resist the passage of time; on the other, practices, knowledge, beliefs, and affections that endure by being lived and passed on. Together, they weave an identity sustained by the strength of a shared origin and the persistence of traditions.
From the words spoken by Father Jadilson Tasca during the Mass in honor of Our Lady of Częstochowa, celebrated on August 6, 2023, about the value of culture:
“… Today, our eyes turn to the feast of the Virgin Mary, Our Lady of Częstochowa. We know that culture is part of our daily lives, and may God be praised for those who brought this faith, for those who came from Poland and brought with them a small piece of their homeland. That is why culture must be preserved; culture must be lived in music, in art, in dance, in clothing, in the brightness and colors of garments. We must always radiate and carry this delicacy of God. Each culture, each people, has its own way of praising and thanking God. And everything belongs to the Lord. Everything we do is for Him. That is why we will always look back with a feeling of gratitude. What has been seen, what has been lived, is a history that unfolds day by day. That is why history, culture, and tradition must remain alive in our children. We cannot let them fade away, because there lies our history, there lies our identity. And how blessed I am, as a priest, to be part of your history.
... It is important for us to rescue culture. How beautiful I find your dance, your colors! And here we must understand that God also enters history. God wants to remain in history; and just as God remains in history, culture must also remain. Therefore, I want to extend my best wishes to you, to the entire Polish community: this pride you have must be preserved, with much joy. …”
The story told here goes beyond the mere arrival of Polish immigrants in southern Santa Catarina. It tells how these families, as they settled, built bridges between two worlds: preserving the heritage they received while engaging in dialogue with the new land that welcomed them. And over time, it reveals how all of this was transformed and manifests itself in the present. The symbols, garments, instruments, and buildings are tangible marks of this presence. But it is in the language, in the dances, in the songs sung in Polish, in the traditional dishes prepared with the same dedication as in the past, and in the faith that structures the community calendar that the heart of this heritage beats. And it is through these expressions that ancestral experiences are revived, updating and reaffirming bonds of belonging: belonging to the same group, the same community, the same history, the same roots, the same beliefs, the same God.
What is preserved, therefore, is not merely memory: it is meaning. Each dance performed by the Polish Folkloric Group Orzeł Biały, each recipe handed down, each Mass celebrated in honor of St. Casimir or Our Lady of Częstochowa is more than a cultural or religious act: it is a gesture of affirmation of identity. It reflects traces of a Polish past but is expressed in a way of life that values memory as a tool of both social and personal cohesion. The preservation of origins is not mere nostalgia; it is an act of active belonging and the building of a bridge toward the future.
This work is, above all, a tribute to the Polish immigration that established itself in southern Santa Catarina, but also to all the peoples who settled here and who, with their labor, were essential for the construction of who we are and what we have today. It is, therefore, more than a photographic record: it is an invitation to reflect on the importance of recovering and preserving, of valuing roots, and of sowing the land for the generations to come, for this is how the history of life and the history of humankind is written. In other words, as important as it is to value our origins, it is equally important to be aware of what we are originating.
I dedicate this work to all those who migrate, so that their pain may not be in vain but may be transformed into a stimulus for their renewal, allowing their courage in the face of the unknown to become the strength needed to fulfill their mission.
I conclude with the wise words of Casimiro Tibincoski, which close his book and synthesize the message of cultural preservation and historical memory.
The Good Seed Germinates
The Polish emigrants who arrived here built churches, schools, became priests, trained as engineers, lawyers, and professionals; the Polish community grew and gave its contribution. But all of this is not enough—more is needed. We are all called to collaborate, placing a brick in the construction of this homeland, without forgetting the homeland of our parents. We must adapt to the culture of this land, but we must also cultivate that of our ancestors. We cannot say, “there is nothing I can do”—yes, you can: through your honest daily work, with your good example, by extending a hand to your brother in need, by guiding him toward the right path—we continue writing history through our lives.
Special Acknowledgments
- Sirlei Novak de Araujo Goulart and Adriano Vieira Goulart
- Arlindo Milak
- Onézio Furmanski
- Polish Folkloric Group Orzeł Biały: Ana Caroline Darabas Motta, Andreza Patel de Araujo, Chandelen Tibinkoski Marcelino, Eduardo dos Santos Goulart, Emanuel Gomes Franca, Everson Teixaira de Oliveira, Felipe Gomes Biella, Heloísa Gomes Garcia, Isabela Gomes Garcia, Joacir Guslinski, João Vitor Mondardo dos Santos, Kemilly Miguel Bento, Lara Patel de Araujo, Larissa Gomes Kamer, Leandro de Araujo Goulart, Letícia Patel de Araujo, Luiz Henrrique Dal Pont, Maria Caroline Zacarão Demboski, Mariana Mafinski Carvalho, Monique Ribeiro Bonfante, Nicole Novak de Freitas, Rafael Augusto Zacarão Demboski, Sérgio Novak de Araujo, Tamires Gomes Santos, Thiago Milak Furmanski, Valtair de Souza Bernardo, Willian Teixeira de Oliveira
- Polish Choir Orzeł Biały: Marina Leal – Conductor, Adelícia Magagnin Milak, Adelinda Milak, Aguinaldo Demboski, Alexandre Demboski, Arlindo Milack, Elza Porziski, Estela Milak Heidmann, Genésia Marfinski, Hilda Milak, Izabel Milak Novak de Castro, Luiz Cavalcanti, Maria De Lourdes Souza (in memoriam), Maximiliano Casemiro Milak, Rita de Medeiros Demboski, Santino Tachinski, Sergio Antônio Demboski, Valdina Milak Novak, Valdir Demboski
- Ana Carolina de Oliveira Novak (in memoriam)
- Clairton Rosado
- Edna Gaidzinski Bastos (in memoriam)
- Edson Gaidzinski (in memoriam)
- Father Jadilson Tasca
- Geison Alves
- Marilei Rodrigues Corrêa, from the Pedro Milanez Municipal Historical Archive, from the Criciúma Cultural Foundation
- Marlene Maria Gaspodini Tachinski
- Marly Bortolin Milak
-Marcel Serafim
- Octávia Búrigo Gaidzinski (in memoriam)
- Pábulo Alves
- Renato de Araújo Monteiro, PhD student in History
- Ricardo Ferreira Neves, from Octávio Fontana Visitor Mine
- Valdenir Milak Furmanski
- JUPEM – Polski Zespół Folklorystyczny z Erechim (Polish Folk Group from Erechim)
- ZPiT Politechniki Warszawskiej (Warsaw Polytechnic School Song and Dance Ensemble)
- Agência Neurodigital – Criciúma, Brazil
- Xcomp Informática – Florianópolis, Brazil
- Hotel Tru by Hilton Criciúma, Brazil
References
- Instituto do Patrimônio e Artístico Nacional (Iphan); ”O patrimônio cultural da imigração em Santa Catarina”; organization, Maria Regina Weissheimer ; text, Dalmo Vieira Filho. – Brasília, DF, Brazil : Iphan, 2011.
- Tibincoski, Casimiro; “História da Colonização Polonesa - Linha Três Ribeirões - Liri”; 1997, Criciúma, SC, Brazil.
- Arquivo Histórico Municipal Pedro Milanez - Fundação Cultural de Criciúma, “Questionnaire for Historical-Sociological Research Interviews” – Interviews with descendants of Polish immigrant colonizers, 1979, Criciúma, SC, Brazil.
- Cermoful (Cooperativa de Eletrificação Rural de Morro da Fumaça Ltda); “Cermoful 60 Anos, 60 Histórias” , paper “Linha Batista: berço da colonização polonesa”, pages 102 and 103; 11/2024, Morro da Fumaça, SC, Brazil.
- Durkheim, Émile; “Émile Durkheim: sociologia”; organizer José Albertino Rodrigues. - 9. Ed. - São Paulo, Brazil : Ática, 1999.
- Seyferth, Giralda; “Memória coletiva, identidade e colonização: representações da diferença cultural no Sul do Brasil”; MÉTIS: história & cultura – v. 11, n. 22, p. 13-39, jul./dez. 2012. Accessed at 6:37 PM on 07/26/2025 at:
https://sou.ucs.br/etc/revistas/index.php/metis/article/view/1574/1241
- Maalouf, Jorge Fouad; “O sofrimento de imigrantes: um estudo clínico sobre os efeitos do desenraizamento no self” - Doctoral Thesis in Clinical Psychology, Pontifical Catholic University of São Paulo – 2005, São Paulo, SP, Brazil. Accessed at 5:46 PM on 08/15/2025:
https://sapientia.pucsp.br/bitstream/handle/15573/1/JORGE%20FOUAD%20MAALOUF.pdf
Supporting Bibliographic References
- Arns, Otília (General Coordination); ”Criciúma 1880 - 1980: A Semente Deu Bons Frutos”; IOESC - Imprensa Oficial do Estado de Santa Catarina S. A./ Florianópolis, SC; 1985.
- Daros, Jorge; ”Padre Estanislau: um líder em seu tempo”; UNESC Press - Criciúma, SC; 2016.
- Souza, Celso de Oliveira, Zwierewicz, Marlene (Coordinators); ”Da `Polska` à terra prometida - o legado polonês em Santa Catarina e um tributo à comunidade do Chapadão/Orleans” - Florianópolis, SC, Brazil : Insular, 2009.
- Milanez, Pedro; ”Fundamentos históricos de Criciúma”; Ed. do Autor - Florianópolis, SC, Brazil; 1991.
- Schilling, Isabel Conti; “Os traços da identidade cultural polonesas nas práticas educacionais da Escola Casemiro Stachurscki”; Master’s Thesis in Education; Universidade do Extremo Sul Catarinense; Criciúma, Brazil, September/2007. Accessed at 0:01 AM on 08/28/2025 at:
http://200.18.15.60:8080/pergamumweb/vinculos/000034/000034EC.12.2007.pdf
- Silva, Ellen Crista da; ”Yanka - a fuga da guerra e o refúgio no Brasil”. Florianópolis, SC, Brazil : Insular, 2007.
- Barreto, Maria Theresinha Sobierajski; ”Poloneses em Santa Catarina - A Colonização do Alto Vale do Rio Tijucas”; Preface by Maria Luiza Marcílio; UFSC Publishing / Lunardelli Publishing - Florianópolis, SC, Brazil, 1983.
- Marin, Iraci José; ”Imigrantes poloneses afundados num mar italiano”: Maneco; 2014, Caxias do Sul, RS, Brazil.
- Marin, Iraci José; ”À margem do rio”: Est, 2015; 2014, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
- Marin, Iraci José; ”A Polônia e os poloneses”: Rodycz & Ordakowski : EST Edições; 2019, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
- Malinowski, Bronislaw; ”Uma Teoria Científica da Cultura - Translation by José Auto; Zahar Publishers; Rio de Janeiro, RJ. Brazil - 1962.
- Malinowski, Bronislaw; ”Argonautas do Pacífico Ocidental: um relato do empreendimento e da aventura dos nativos nos arquipélagos da Nova Guiné melanésia”; Preface to the 1st edition: Sir James G. Fraser / translation by Anton P. Carr and Ligia Cardieri / translation coordination and introduction by Eunice R. Durham. São Paulo: Ubu Editora, 2018 / 672 pp.
- Tapioca Neto, Renato Drummond – Paper: “Memória coletiva e memória histórica na obra de Maurice Halbwachs” – Date: 07/11/2014 – Accessed at 10:08 PM on 02/08/2025
https://rainhastragicas.com/2014/11/07/memoria-coletiva-e-memoria-historica-na-obra-de-maurice-halbwachs/
Vídeos
- Inarti Blumenau- Dia 3 - 14º FolkFest - Grupo Folclórico Polonês Orzeł Biały - Accessed at 7:39 PM on 27/02/2023
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S2ypCMi1m6Y&t=15s
- Inarti Blumenau- Dia 4 - 14º FolkFest - Grupo Folclórico Polonês Orzeł Biały - Accessed at 7:39 PM on 27/02/2023
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dojsKXP5Bx8&t=238s
- Machado, Ruy Luiz; “Missa em honra a Nossa Senhora de Częstochowa - Linha Batista - Criciúma - 27/agosto/2022” - Accessed at 8:05 PM on 27/02/2023
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sFWvuQpOPPo&t=106s
- Machado, Ruy Luiz; “Grupo Folclórico Polonês Orzeł Biały - Linha Batista, Criciúma - 04/09/2022” - Accessed at 8:00 PM on 27/02/2023
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dcX_2bV745M&t=18s
- Machado, Ruy Luiz; “Conjunto de Canto e Dança Escola Politécnica de Varsóvia - Apresentação em Criciúma, SC - 21/04/2023” - Accessed at 6:11 PM on 15/08/2025
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dcX_2bV745M&t=18s
- Machado, Ruy Luiz; “III Noite Cultural - Dança Polonesa com Orzeł Biały e Jupem - 30/11/2024” - Accessed at 6:11 PM on 15/08/2025
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gTFeUz1hr6Y&t=647s
- NDTV ao Vivo - Balanço Geral: “Criciúma comemora 141 de colonização com rica mistura étnica.” - Accessed at 7:23 PM on 27/02/2023
https://ndmais.com.br/cultura/criciuma-comemora-141-de-colonizacao-com-rica-mistura-etnica/
- Naspolini Fº, Arquimedes: “De Cresciuma a Criciúma: os poloneses chegaram” - Accessed at 7:27 PM on 27/02/2023
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AnO-VNwY3Yo
- Aniszewski, Erick; “Águia Branca - ES - A Polônia Capixaba. - Accessed at 8:10 PM on 27/02/2023
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MtwSUFrvggY
- Pascom - Pastoral da Comunicação - Serviço de pastoral da Paróquia Nossa Senhora da Natividade de Cocal do Sul - “Festival de Video 2012_Linha Batista” - Accessed at 8:20 PM on 27/02/2023
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ef9Zp6qgf4s&t=53s
- Asociación de Estudios Humanísticos y ADEH TV - Con el hilo de Ariadna 41: sobre los "Argonautas del Pacífico" - Accessed at 9:48 AM on 03/03/2023
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tKvlLFmZM3s
Title: Vodka toast Description: In the parish hall of St. Casimir`s Church, following the symbolic breaking of the ice, the highlight of the ceremony unfolds with the collective toast of the freshly retrieved vodka. Filled with joy and meaning, the gesture marks not only the beginning of the celebration but also the reaffirmation of community bonds and Polish cultural identity. With glasses raised, participants and members of the Orzeł Biały Polish Folkloric Group in traditional costumes celebrate together in a moment of sharing and hospitality, sealing the metaphor of overcoming obstacles and preserving traditions. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 15/12/2023
Nº 025-423
Title: The Polish cultural heritage and the new generation Description: At the moments before the presentation of the Polish Folkloric Group Orzeł Biały at the 2nd Cultural Night, the young daughter of one of the members also preserves the cultural values of her ancestors by wearing a typical costume and traditional accessories, such as the flower tiara and colorful ribbons. The participation of children in events like this demonstrates that culture is not just a memory of the past, but a tradition that is actively taught, lived, and transmitted, ensuring that the roots of the community flourish through new generations. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 02/07/2022
Nº 025-185
Title: Mass in honor of St. Casimir Description: Held at St. Casimir Church in Linha Batista, the celebration is an act of profound devotion. The images reveal the richness of the rites and symbols that shape the liturgy, from the opening procession with the patron saint`s image to the most solemn moments of the service. Elements such as the cross, incense, the ringing of bells, and liturgical vestments, together with the veneration of the Eucharist, emphasize the sacredness of the event. Each gesture and symbol reflects the faith and traditions preserved by the community of Polish descendants, perpetuating their spiritual and cultural connection with their ancestors. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 05/03/2023
Nº 025-324
Title: Orzeł Biały Polish Folkloric Group Description: In the image, different moments of the Orzeł Biały Polish Folkloric Group are shown during the performance of the dance Suita Kaszubska at the Polish Gastronomy Festival, held in the social hall of St. Casimir`s Church. The members, wearing the Kaszubian costume, display a remarkable expressiveness in their gestures and movements. Every step and every expression conveys the emotion and strength of the Polish cultural heritage, transforming the performance into a living and dynamic link between the past and present of the community. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 04/09/2022
Nº 025-313
Title: Homage to the Gaidzinski family Description: The Hall of the Orzeł Biały Society was built by the Gaidzinski family. In recognition of the generosity of writer and poet Mrs. Octávia Búrigo Gaidzinski, a great enthusiast of Polish culture in Criciúma, and her son, businessman Mr. Edson Gaidzinski, the community holds them in high esteem. In their honor, their portraits are affixed to the main hall as a gesture of gratitude for their vision and for all they have done for the community. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 30/07/2022
Nº 025-253
Title: Orzeł Biały Polish Folkloric Group Description: Performance at the 14th FESTFOLK at Vila Germânica in Blumenau. Kaszubską costume. Local: Blumenau, Brazil Date of Registration: 24/04/2022
Nº 025-118
Title:Mizeria Description: Polish cucumber salad with sour cream or natural yogurt, seasoned with salt, pepper, dill, and optionally sugar, vinegar, or thinly sliced onion, served at the Traditional Polish Lunch – Dzień Polski (Day of Poland), held in the parish hall of St. Casimir`s Church. Prepared by the Polish community of Linha Batista, this dish celebrates the rich culinary tradition of Poland. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 27/08/2023
Nº 025-409
Title: Orzeł Biały Polish Folkloric Group Description: Performance at the 14th FESTFOLK at Vila Germânica in Blumenau. Kaszubską costume. Local: Blumenau, Brazil Date of Registration: 24/04/022
Nº 025-127
Title: Mr. Wadissuavo Milack, one of the guardians of memory Description: Born in Criciúma on September 25, 1925, son of Francisco Milak and Josefa Kubaski Milack, married to Maria Dagostim Milack (in memoriam), with whom he had 10 children. A resident of Linha Batista, in Criciúma, Brazil, he has always been active in the community as a lay member of St. Casimir Church, participating in social and cultural matters, and being a member of the Polish Choir Orzeł Biały. A dedicated farmer, he worked extensively in the cultivation of various crops to provide for himself and his family. He is well-versed in the history of the descendants of Polish immigrants who reside or have resided in the region. He completed his primary education at the Casemiro Stachurski School, at a time when the teacher was Polish and taught full-time in both Portuguese and Polish. In 2025, he will celebrate his centenary, which will be joyfully commemorated by all his family and friends. (Text authored by his son, Arlindo Milack) Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 26/08/2023
Nº 025-338
Title: Making Pierogi Description: Members of the Polish Folkloric Group Orzeł Biały work together in the preparation of the traditional Pierogi. This is a know-how that spans generations, strengthening cultural identity and social bonds, elements that prove to be essential for the preservation of the rich Polish heritage in Linha Batista. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 04/06/2022
Nº 025-184
Title: Mass in honor of Our Lady of Częstochowa Description: The images capture the celebration of the Mass in honor of Our Lady of Częstochowa, held at St. Casimir`s Church. The Orzeł Biały Choir actively participated in the service, assisting in the liturgical rites. In the central photo, Father Jadilson Tasca appears alongside the choir members, who wear various traditional Polish costumes, including Kaszubską, Rzeszów, and Obereck, highlighting the richness and cultural diversity of Poland. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 26/08/2023
Nº 025-337
Title: Old alarm clock Description: It is part of the historical collection maintained and preserved by the Orzeł Biały Society, which includes original pieces that were part of the daily life of families in the region. Each of these pieces tells us a story of work and, therefore, constitutes a material testimony of the journey and life of Polish immigrants and their descendants. Together, they form a memorial that celebrates the legacy left by those who built their lives in Linha Batista. Donation: Mrs. Olga Marrinski and her mother. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 30/07/2022
Nº 025-219
Title: Polish Gastronomy Festival Description: The preparation of traditional Polish dishes begins on the eve of the festival. Community members come together behind the scenes to prepare the typical dishes, a fundamental task that shows the commitment to preserving their culinary traditions. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 03/09/2022
Nº 025-279
Title: Polish coats of arms Description: Collection of the Orzeł Biały Society. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 30/07/2022
Nº 025-230
Title: Saint Hedwig Description: The image shows a centuries-old oil painting of Saint Hedwig, a cultural icon of Poland, which has been restored. Originally, the artwork belonged to the Polish church in Cocal do Sul, of which was the patron. It is now displayed at the Church of Saint Casimir in Linha Batista, symbolizing the devotion brought to Brazil by the settlers and contributing to the preservation of Polish identity within immigrant communities. It is one of three paintings brought by the Polish pioneers that remain on display in the church. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 13/03/2012
Nº 025-448
Title: Historical monuments of Poland Description: The photograph shows a framed display with the inscription "Historical Monuments", which brings together various images of buildings and landscapes from Poland. The piece is part of the hall`s decor, serving as a tool for valuing and preserving the history and cultural heritage of the country. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 30/07/2022
Nº 025-254
Title: The Polish cultural heritage and the new generation Description: In the moments leading up to the presentation of the Polish Folkloric Group Orzeł Biały at the 2nd Cultural Night, daughters of group members also preserve the cultural values of their ancestors by wearing typical costumes and traditional accessories, such as the flower tiara and colorful ribbons. The participation of children in events like this demonstrates that culture is not just a memory of the past, but a tradition that is actively taught, lived, and transmitted, ensuring that the roots of the community flourish through new generations. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 02/07/2022
Nº 025-192
Title: Orzeł Biały Polish Folkloric Group Description: Moments before the performance at the 14th FESTFOLK at Vila Germânica in Blumenau. Local: Blumenau, Brazil Date of Registration: 23/04/022
Nº 025-143
Title: Old candle snuffer Description: This is a candle snuffer, a metal tool with a long handle and a bell-shaped end. It was used to safely extinguish a candle`s flame by snuffing it out, avoiding smoke and the risk of wax splashes. It is part of the historical collection maintained and preserved by the Orzeł Biały Society, which includes original pieces that were part of the daily life of families in the region. Each of these pieces tells us a story of work and, therefore, constitutes a material testimony of the journey and life of Polish immigrants and their descendants. Together, they form a memorial that celebrates the legacy left by those who built their lives in Linha Batista. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 30/07/2022
Nº 025-250
Title: Testimonies of the polish pioneers Description: The image shows the first page of a questionnaire used in a historical-sociological research conducted in 1979, preserved at the Pedro Milanez Municipal Historical Archive, part of the Criciúma Cultural Foundation. The document is of significant historical value, as it records interviews with children and grandchildren of pioneer immigrants, such as Vladislau Bialecki, a resident of Linha Batista, addressing various aspects of the settlers` lives. These accounts consistently reveal the deep religiosity that characterized the first Polish immigrants and how this tradition continues to this day, albeit with some transformations. The narratives provide detailed information about the early years in the region, allowing the community and researchers to better understand the realities faced by the pioneers and the context of Polish colonization in southern Santa Catarina. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 18/11/1979
Nº 025-444
Title: Traditional polish costumes Description: The images capture the richness and sophistication of traditional Polish costumes, worn by both the Orzeł Biały Choir and the Orzeł Biały Polish Folkloric Group during the Mass in honor of Our Lady of Częstochowa, held at St. Casimir`s Church. Floral embroidery, ribbons, scarves, and shawls adorn vests, blouses, and skirts, creating vibrant color combinations and a truly stunning visual display. The tailoring, cuts, and textures reflect the cultural diversity of different regions of Poland, while on stage, they harmonize with the dynamics and movement of the choreography, expressed through the steps of dance and music. These costumes, carefully crafted and meticulously maintained, represent art, tradition, and cultural identity, celebrating above all the Polish heritage preserved by the Linha Batista community. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 26/08/2023
Nº 025-339
Title: Orzeł Biały Polish Folkloric Group Description: Moments before the performance at the 14th FESTFOLK at Vila Germânica in Blumenau. Local: Blumenau, Brazil Date of Registration: 23/04/022
Nº 025-137
Title: Cultural exchange Description: The Orzeł Biały Polish Folkloric Group had the honor of receiving a visit from one of Poland`s oldest and most representative folk dance companies, the ZPiT Politechniki Warszawskiej (Song and Dance Ensemble of the Warsaw University of Technology). During their stay in Criciúma, the group visited some of the city`s tourist sites. The image captures the moment when the visitors were at the “Casarão” in Parque dos Imigrantes, in Rio Maina, which houses an "atafona" (traditional flour mill), a traditional flour-making device. The scene symbolizes the link between past and present, highlighting the significance of the encounter between the Warsaw and Linha Batista groups, together with municipal authorities, including the then mayor, Mr. Clésio Salvaro, and his entourage, in an official expression of welcome to the distinguished visiting dance company. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 21/04/2023
Nº 025-325
Title: Polish gastronomy festival Description: General view of the welcoming and familiar atmosphere of the Polish Gastronomy Festival, held in the social hall of St. Casimir`s Church. The space is filled with long tables where the community gathers to share the rich cuisine, in a moment of fellowship and joy. The festival stands as an important event that unites the community and celebrates Polish traditions through flavor, strengthening the bonds and sense of belonging for everyone. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 04/09/2022
Nº 025-316
Title: The beauty and strength of polish dance Description: During the Polish Traditional Lunch – Dzień Polski (Poland Day), the image captures the essence of Polish folk dance. The dancers, wearing the vibrant Rzeszów costume, showcase the beauty, expressiveness, and strength that define these performances. The colorful scarves, a highlight in this scene, come alive in motion, enriching the symbolism of the costume. With intricate patterns and vivid hues, these accessories not only adorn but also convey the grace and joy of the choreography, reflecting rural traditions and an appreciation for ornamental forms. Dance thus emerges as a living expression of the Polish community`s identity in Linha Batista. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 27/08/2023
Nº 025-401
Title: Orzeł Biały Polish Folkloric Group Description: Performance at the 14th FESTFOLK at Vila Germânica in Blumenau. Krakowiak costume. Local: Blumenau, Brazil Date of Registration: 23/04/022
Nº 025-160
Title: Orzeł Biały Choir Description: Images of the Orzeł Biały Choir during the Mass in honor of Our Lady of Częstochowa at St. Casimir`s Church. The choir members wear their traditional Polish costumes, with the women in red skirts and embroidered blouses. Under the baton of conductor Marina Leal, who also plays the piano, the songs are sung in the Polish language. The choir`s participation unites faith and the rich Polish musical traditions, strengthening the community`s sense of belonging. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 27/08/2022
Nº 025-274
Title: Polish gastronomy festival Description: The Polish Gastronomy Festival is a celebration that, alongside dance and music, honors the rich cuisine of the homeland of the Linha Batista settlers. Images of the buffet showcase a variety of traditional dishes, keeping the culture and traditions alive while offering participants an authentic experience of Polish flavors. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 01/09/2024
Nº 025-426
Title: Orzeł Biały Polish Folkloric Group Description: The Orzeł Biały Polish Folkloric Group performs the Kaszubian folk dance Suita Kaszubska during the Polish Gastronomy Festival, held in the social hall of St. Casimir`s Church. In the image, wearing the Kaszubian costume, the dancer`s grace stands out as she interprets the dance movements. Her performance celebrates the cultural identity of the community with sensitivity, creating an important link between the past and the present through the art of dance. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 04/09/2022
Nº 025-304
Title: Vodka toast Description: In the parish hall of St. Casimir`s Church, following the symbolic breaking of the ice, the highlight of the ceremony unfolds with the collective toast of the freshly retrieved vodka. Filled with joy and meaning, the gesture marks not only the beginning of the celebration but also the reaffirmation of community bonds and Polish cultural identity. With glasses raised, participants and members of the Orzeł Biały Polish Folkloric Group in traditional costumes celebrate together in a moment of sharing and hospitality, sealing the metaphor of overcoming obstacles and preserving traditions. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 15/12/2023
Nº 025-424
Title: Orzeł Biały Polish Folkloric Group Description: Sunday rehearsal. Every Sunday at 5:30 p.m., the group gathers to rehearse its dance repertoire, a way to ensure both performance and the quality of the presentations. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 10/04/2022
Nº 025-105
Title: Making Pierogi Description: Generally, the execution of this activity transcends the simple preparation of a dish: it represents an act of maintaining culture and identity, reinforcing the group`s cohesion and transmitting traditional knowledge in a practical and communal way.
In the image, the assembly of the Pierogi is shown. It is a manual and collective task, where the filling is placed on the dough, which is then folded and sealed with precision. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 04/06/2022
Nº 025-177
Title: Orzeł Biały Polish Folkloric Group Description: Performance at the 14th FESTFOLK at Vila Germânica in Blumenau. Kaszubską costume. Local: Blumenau, Brazil Date of Registration: 24/04/022
Nº 025-130
Title: Saint Casimir`s Church Description: Located in Linha Batista, it is a landmark of the Catholic Polish presence in the region. Dedicated to Saint Casimir, patron saint of Poland, the church is a place of faith and community gathering, essential for cultural preservation. With a simple architecture, the building stands out for the beauty of its interior. The ceiling, covered in wood, forms a central cross of great symbolic significance. The environment is enriched by a Via Sacra, sacred paintings brought from Poland, and windows with colored glass, which create a welcoming and contemplative atmosphere. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 30/07/2022
Nº 025-205
Title:Opłatek, the Polish ceremony of sharing bread Description: The Opłatek, the Polish ceremony of sharing bread, is one of the most emblematic moments of the Christmas cycle, filled with deep symbolism. It represents unity, forgiveness, and fraternity, preserving a custom passed down from generation to generation. During the celebration, various songs are sung in Polish. In these images, the Orzeł Biały Choir performs Christmas carols such as Dzisiaj w Betlejem (“Today in Bethlehem”) and other traditional songs, surrounding the participants with an atmosphere of faith, emotion, and belonging. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 15/12/2023
Nº 025-421
Title: Orzeł Biały Polish Folkloric Group Description: Moments before the performance at the 14th FESTFOLK at Vila Germânica in Blumenau. Local: Blumenau, Brazil Date of Registration: 23/04/022
Nº 025-139
Title: 2nd Cultural Night Description: Arlindo Milack conducting the cultural presentations of the 2nd Cultural Night which took place at the Hall of the Orzeł Biały Society. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 02/07/2022
Nº 025-197
Title:Opłatek, the Polish ceremony of sharing bread Description: The Opłatek, a Polish ceremony of sharing bread, is one of the most emblematic moments of the Christmas season, imbued with profound religious and communal symbolism. It represents unity, forgiveness, and fraternity, preserving a custom handed down from generation to generation. The celebration begins with a welcoming moment. Amid greetings, the meaning of the Opłatek and the Christmas Eve supper in Polish tradition is presented — a solemn night marked by closeness, love, and fellowship. The sign to begin is the appearance of the first star in the sky, recalling the Star of Bethlehem that announced the birth of Jesus. The table is prepared with straw, a white cloth, and a plate with the blessed Opłatek, symbolizing Jesus in the manger. According to tradition, twelve dishes are served, without meat or alcoholic beverages. A child is invited to light the candle, and the Orzeł Biały Choir sings the Christmas carol Dzisiaj w Betlejem (“Today in Bethlehem”), celebrating the birth of Christ. Next come the Penitential Act, the Liturgy of the Word, and the Moment of Prayer. In these images, we witness the highlight of the ceremony: the sharing of the Opłatek, which in Polish tradition uniquely expresses the spirit of unity and solidarity. Each participant offers and receives a piece, accompanied by wishes for peace, health, and prosperity, strengthening bonds of closeness and belonging. The rite concludes with the festive meal, a time of fellowship around the traditional Christmas dishes. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 15/12/2023
Nº 025-420
Title: Old wooden board Description: This old piece of carved wood with grooves was used as a board to drain the fat and lard from cracklings and meats that the families prepared. The by-products were used in other preparations. The piece reflects the methods of conservation and full use of food practiced by immigrant families. It is part of the historical collection maintained and preserved by the Orzeł Biały Society, which includes original pieces that were part of the daily life of families in the region. Each of these pieces tells us a story of work and, therefore, constitutes a material testimony of the journey and life of Polish immigrants and their descendants. Together, they form a memorial that celebrates the legacy left by those who built their lives in Linha Batista. Donation: Mrs. Olga Marrinski and her mother. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 30/07/2022
Nº 025-242
Title:Opłatek, the Polish ceremony of sharing bread Description: The Opłatek, the Polish ceremony of sharing bread, is one of the most emblematic moments of the Christmas season, rich in religious and communal symbolism. It represents unity, forgiveness, and fraternity, preserving a tradition passed down through generations. The table is prepared with straw, a white cloth, and a plate with the blessed Opłatek, symbolizing Jesus in the manger. The images highlight a variety of cakes, pies, and savory dishes (meat-free) brought by members of the Linha Batista community, reinforcing the spirit of fellowship and sharing that is central to the Christmas celebration. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 15/12/2023
Nº 025-417
Title: Orzeł Biały Polish Folkloric Group Description: Moments before the performance at the 14th FESTFOLK at Vila Germânica in Blumenau. Kaszubską costume. Local: Blumenau, Brazil Date of Registration: 23/04/022
Nº 025-148
Title: Saint Casimir Description: The image shows a centuries-old oil painting of Saint Casimir, who is the patron saint of the church of the same name in Linha Batista, where it is displayed. The artwork symbolizes the devotion brought to Brazil by the settlers and contributes to the preservation of Polish identity within immigrant communities. It is one of three paintings brought by the Polish pioneers that remain on display in the church. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 13/03/2012
Nº 025-450
Title: Cultural collection of the Orzeł Biały Society Description: An integral part of the Orzeł Biały Society`s cultural collection, this frame holds this old photograph that captures a moment in the life of a family, in front of their home. The image refers to the Polish pioneers who colonized Linha Batista, being a relevant historical record of the community. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 03/09/2022
Nº 025-285
Title: Orzeł Biały Polish Folkloric Group Description: Performance at the 14th FESTFOLK at Vila Germânica in Blumenau. Krakowiak costume. Local: Blumenau, Brazil Date of Registration: 23/04/022
Nº 025-159
Title: Old decorated ceramic vases Description: It is part of the historical collection maintained and preserved by the Orzeł Biały Society, which includes original pieces that were part of the daily life of families in the region. Each of these pieces tells us a story of work and, therefore, constitutes a material testimony of the journey and life of Polish immigrants and their descendants. Together, they form a memorial that celebrates the legacy left by those who built their lives in Linha Batista. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 30/07/2022
Nº 025-214
Title: Orzeł Biały Polish Folkloric Group Description: Performance at the 14th FESTFOLK at Vila Germânica in Blumenau. Krakowiak costume. Local: Blumenau, Brazil Date of Registration: 23/04/022
Nº 025-167
Title: Orzeł Biały Polish Folkloric Group Description: Performance at the 14th FESTFOLK at Vila Germânica in Blumenau. Kaszubską costume. Local: Blumenau, Brazil Date of Registration: 24/04/022
Nº 025-124
Title: Old hand-cranked butter churn Description: This antique hand-cranked butter churn illustrates a traditional method of turning cream into butter. By rotating the handle, the internal paddles would agitate the cream until the fat separated, resulting in fresh butter. This utensil represents the hard work and self-sufficiency of families in the past. It is part of the historical collection maintained and preserved by the Orzeł Biały Society, which includes original pieces that were part of the daily life of families in the region. Each of these pieces tells us a story of work and, therefore, constitutes a material testimony of the journey and life of Polish immigrants and their descendants. Together, they form a memorial that celebrates the legacy left by those who built their lives in Linha Batista. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 30/07/2022
Nº 025-235
Title: Details of the Costume of the Orzeł Biały Polish Folkloric Group Description: From left to right, the first image shows a close-up of the Polish coat of arms embroidered on the front of the jacket, with the inscription Towarzystwo Orzeł Biały (translation: Orzeł Biały Society). The next three images show the back of the jacket with the coat of arms overlaid on red and white fabrics (colors of the Polish flag). Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 04/06/2022
Nº 025-171
Title: Prizes Description: From plants to baskets, a great diversity of prizes gathered to be raffled off to those present at the 2nd Cultural Night. Each item, offered in a collaborative spirit, brings an extra splash of color to the event`s celebration and demonstrates the unity that is essential to keeping the community`s cultural heritage alive. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 02/07/2022
Nº 025-189
Title: Orzeł Biały Polish Folkloric Group Description: Photographs of the performance at the 14th FESTFOLK at Vila Germânica in Blumenau. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 04/06/2022
Nº 025-170
Title: Old two-man saw Description: This two-man saw, also known as a crosscut saw, was an essential tool during the immigration era. To saw planks, a sawpit was set up where one person would be on the top and the other below. Together, they would pull and push the blade, a job that required strength and synchronicity. It is part of the historical collection maintained and preserved by the Orzeł Biały Society, which includes original pieces that were part of the daily life of families in the region. Each of these pieces tells us a story of work and, therefore, constitutes a material testimony of the journey and life of Polish immigrants and their descendants. Together, they form a memorial that celebrates the legacy left by those who built their lives in Linha Batista. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 30/07/2022
Nº 025-249
Title: Orzeł Biały Polish Folkloric Group Description: Performance at the 14th FESTFOLK at Vila Germânica in Blumenau. Kaszubską costume. Local: Blumenau, Brazil Date of Registration: 24/04/022
Nº 025-119
Title: Orzeł Biały Polish Folkloric Group Description: Records after the performance at the 14th FESTFOLK at Vila Germânica in Blumenau. Local: Blumenau, Brazil Date of Registration: 23/04/022
Nº 025-154
Title: Oil painting of a Polish folk scene Description: It depicts four people in traditional attire. In the center, a woman is dancing, while three musicians play the violin and cello. In the background, the wall displays cultural elements such as a painting of the Black Madonna of Częstochowa and the Coat of Arms of Poland. The table in the foreground, with a tea set, and the floral decorations complete the festive and welcoming atmosphere, conveying the importance of music, dance, and faith in Polish culture. Authored by: Lilia. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 04/06/2022
Nº 025-174
Title: The shared host at Opłatek Description: Rich in symbolism, it represents unity, forgiveness, and fraternity, strengthening the bonds among family, friends, and members of the community. Simple in its composition — made only of flour and water, without yeast — it reflects the purity and humility of Jesus’ birth, reinforcing closeness and belonging. It has a rectangular shape, with delicate low-relief designs depicting Christmas figures, such as the Holy Family, for example. Each participant offers and receives a piece, accompanied by wishes for peace, health, and prosperity, transforming the gesture into an act of prayer, care, and celebration. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 15/12/2023
Nº 025-418
Title:Pierogi Description: Polish fried potato dumplings filled with curd cheese, served at the Traditional Polish Lunch – Dzień Polski (Day of Poland), held in the parish hall of St. Casimir`s Church. Prepared by the Polish community of Linha Batista, this dish pays tribute to the rich culinary tradition of Poland. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 27/08/2023
Nº 025-411
Title:Opłatek, the Polish ceremony of sharing bread Description: The Opłatek, the Polish ceremony of sharing bread, is one of the most emblematic moments of the Christmas season, rich in religious and communal symbolism. It represents unity, forgiveness, and fraternity, preserving a tradition passed down through generations. The table is prepared with straw, a white cloth, and a plate with the blessed Opłatek, symbolizing Jesus in the manger. The lit candle represents the light of Christ, bringing hope and spiritual presence, while the straw evokes the humility of Jesus` birth. The warm and solemn atmosphere of the celebration reinforces the bonds of closeness and belonging within the community. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 15/12/2023
Nº 025-416
Title: Testimonies of the polish pioneers Description: The image shows the first page of a questionnaire used in a historical-sociological research conducted in 1979, preserved at the Pedro Milanez Municipal Historical Archive, part of the Criciúma Cultural Foundation. The document is of significant historical value, as it records interviews with children and grandchildren of pioneer immigrants, such as João Thadeu Bialecki, a resident of Criciúma, addressing various aspects of the settlers` lives. These accounts consistently reveal the deep religiosity that characterized the first Polish immigrants and how this tradition continues to this day, albeit with some transformations. The narratives provide detailed information about the early years in the region, allowing the community and researchers to better understand the realities faced by the pioneers and the context of Polish colonization in southern Santa Catarina. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 17/11/1979
Nº 025-443
Title: Closing of the 2nd Cultural Night Description: The Polish Folkloric Group Orzeł Biały pays a moving tribute to the creators and those responsible for the construction of the Social Hall. On stage, the members unite under the flags of Brazil and Poland, while holding up photos of Mrs. Octávia Búrigo Gaidzinski and her son, Mr. Edson Gaidzinski. This moment symbolizes the gratitude and recognition for the legacy left by them, who built the physical space where Polish culture and traditions continue to flourish and be celebrated by the entire community. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 02/07/2022
Nº 025-198
Title: Old Relho Description:Relho is a type of whip or lash, made with a wooden handle and a braided leather strip. It was very common in rural contexts, used mainly to lead draft animals, such as oxen or horses, during farm work or transportation. Depending on the region, it can also be called reio or chibata. Made with a wooden handle and a braided leather strip, it was very common in rural contexts, used mainly to lead draft animals, such as oxen or horses, during farm work or transportation. Depending on the region, it can also be called reio, relho or chibata. It is part of the historical collection maintained and preserved by the Orzeł Biały Society, which includes original pieces that were part of the daily life of families in the region. Each of these pieces tells us a story of work and, therefore, constitutes a material testimony of the journey and life of Polish immigrants and their descendants. Together, they form a memorial that celebrates the legacy left by those who built their lives in Linha Batista. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 30/07/2022
Nº 025-247
Title: Orzeł Biały Polish Folkloric Group Description: Moments before the performance at the 14th FESTFOLK at Vila Germânica in Blumenau. Local: Blumenau, Brazil Date of Registration: 23/04/022
Nº 025-152
Title: Old decorated ceramic bowl Description: It is part of the historical collection maintained and preserved by the Orzeł Biały Society, which includes original pieces that were part of the daily life of families in the region. Each of these pieces tells us a story of work and, therefore, constitutes a material testimony of the journey and life of Polish immigrants and their descendants. Together, they form a memorial that celebrates the legacy left by those who built their lives in Linha Batista. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 30/07/2022
Nº 025-215
Title: Polish gastronomy festival Description: Wide view of the parish hall of St. Casimir`s Church during the Polish Traditional Lunch (Dzień Polski). Among the attendees, several members of the Orzeł Biały Polish Folkloric Group in traditional costumes stand out, asserting the ongoing presence of Polish tradition within the community. The scene highlights both the scale of the celebration and the interplay between cultural memory and everyday life. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 01/09/2024
Nº 025-428
Title: 3rd Cultural Night Description: Performance of the Polish Folkloric Group Orzeł Biały during the 3rd Cultural Night – Folklore in Motion: Polish Dance Gathering, held at the Jayme A. Zanatta Auditorium of ACIC – Associação Empresarial de Criciúma (Criciúma`s Business Association). The group wears the traditional costume of Lublin costume and perform dances that highlight Polish tradition and cultural identity. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 30/11/2024
Nº 025-438
Title: Orzeł Biały Polish Folkloric Group Description: The Orzeł Biały Polish Folkloric Group performs the Suita Kaszubska during the Polish Gastronomy Festival, held in the social hall of St. Casimir`s Church. In the image, wearing the Kaszubian costume, the dancer`s expressiveness stands out in every gesture as she interprets the dance movements. Her performance celebrates the cultural identity of the community with sensitivity, creating an important link between the past and the present through the art of dance. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 04/09/2022
Nº 025-308
Title: Orzeł Biały Polish Folkloric Group Description: Performance at the 14th FESTFOLK at Vila Germânica in Blumenau. Kaszubską costume. Local: Blumenau, Brazil Date of Registration: 24/04/022
Nº 025-121
Title: Traditional handicraft Description: This small tapestry or handicraft piece is suspended from a wooden rod and affixed to the wall. The elongated piece features three sections with floral or fruit motifs in vivid colors, with a characteristic texture and design. It is a beautiful example of the rich Polish artisan tradition, complementing the decor of the Hall of the Orzeł Biały Society. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 30/07/2022
Nº 025-266
Title: Orzeł Biały Polish Folkloric Group Description: Performance at the 14th FESTFOLK at Vila Germânica in Blumenau. Krakowiak costume. Local: Blumenau, Brazil Date of Registration: 23/04/022
Nº 025-163
Title: Leonardo Bialeck Road Description: Winding through small properties, with both old and modern houses, the road crosses Linha Batista, flanked by a bucolic landscape that preserves the community’s memories. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 03/09/2022
Nº 025-173
Title: Orzeł Biały Polish Folkloric Group Description: In the image, different moments of the Orzeł Biały Polish Folkloric olk Group are shown during the performance of the dance Suita Kaszubska at the Polish Gastronomy Festival, held in the social hall of St. Casimir`s Church. The members, wearing the Kaszubian costume, display a remarkable expressiveness in their gestures and movements. Every step and every expression conveys the emotion and strength of the Polish cultural heritage, transforming the performance into a living and dynamic link between the past and present of the community. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 04/09/2022
Nº 025-312
Title: Cultural collection of the Orzeł Biały Society Description: The Orzeł Biały Society`s collection is not limited to historical records; it also celebrates local literature. Among the books, the poems of Mrs. Octávia Búrigo Gaidzinski stand out. She was also one of the founders and responsible for the construction of the Hall. Her works enrich the cultural heritage of the local community with valuable sensitivity and her poetics. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 03/09/2022
Nº 025-288
Title: Old photo of the Orzeł Biały Folkloric Group Description: This old photograph captures a performance by the Orzeł Biały Folkloric Group. The dancers are wearing the Góralski costume, typical of the mountainous Podhale region in Poland. The image is a testament to the community`s dedication to preserving their rich cultural and artistic traditions, keeping their ancestors` heritage alive through music and dance. It is part of the historical collection maintained and preserved by the Orzeł Biały Society, which includes original pieces that were part of the daily life of families in the region. Each of these pieces tells us a story of work and, therefore, constitutes a material testimony of the journey and life of Polish immigrants and their descendants. Together, they form a memorial that celebrates the legacy left by those who built their lives in Linha Batista. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 30/07/2022
Nº 025-238
Title: St. Casimir Church dedication plaque Description: On the exterior of St. Casimir Church in Linha Batista, Criciúma, SC, there is a metal plaque celebrating the dedication of the Altar and the Church itself. The inscription, dated March 4, 2018, reads: "The zeal for your house will consume me" (John 2:17) and offers thanks for all the benefits received and gratitude to those who collaborated on the construction of the new rectory. The plaque also honors Pope Francis, Diocesan Bishop Dom Jacinto Inácio Flach, and Parish Priest Fr. Oscar Paulo Pietsch, highlighting the sense of community and faith that Linha Batista, Criciúma, SC, possesses. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 05/03/2023
Nº 025-320
Title: The beauty and strength of polish dance Description: During the Polish Traditional Lunch – Dzień Polski (Poland Day), held in the banquet hall of St. Casimir`s Church, the image captures the essence of Polish folk dance. Sirley Novak, who is both a dancer and the coordinator of the Orzeł Biały Polish Folkloric Group, wears the Krakowiak costume, showcasing the beauty, expressiveness, and strength that characterize these performances. The costume`s details — the colorful flower crown, the richly embroidered vest, and the full skirt — come to life in motion, celebrating cultural tradition. Dance thus emerges as a living expression of the Polish community`s identity in Linha Batista. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 27/08/2023
Nº 025-400
Title: Orzeł Biały Polish Folkloric Group Description: Performance at the 14th FESTFOLK at Vila Germânica in Blumenau. Kaszubską costume. Local: Blumenau, Brazil Date of Registration: 24/04/022
Nº 025-134
Title: Orzeł Biały Polish Folkloric Group Description: Performance at the 14th FESTFOLK at Vila Germânica in Blumenau. Krakowiak costume. Local: Blumenau, Brazil Date of Registration: 23/04/022
Nº 025-158
Title: Old wicker multipurpose basket Description: This artisanal wicker basket is an example of the ingenuity and practicality of rural life. With its lightweight and sturdy structure, it was used for a variety of tasks, such as gathering eggs, holding fruits, and transporting food to the fields. The object reflects the self-sufficiency and simplicity of life in immigrant communities in the past. It is part of the historical collection maintained and preserved by the Orzeł Biały Society, which includes original pieces that were part of the daily life of families in the region. Each of these pieces tells us a story of work and, therefore, constitutes a material testimony of the journey and life of Polish immigrants and their descendants. Together, they form a memorial that celebrates the legacy left by those who built their lives in Linha Batista. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 30/07/2022
Nº 025-236
Title:Krakowiak costume - Orzeł Biały Polish Folkloric Group Description: The city of Kraków was the capital of the Polish kings and the Kraków costume is considered the Polish national costume.
nbspThe Krakowiak is one of the most popular Polish dances, characterized by its lively and wild rhythm with broad, long, and easy steps. Kraków, the former capital of the Polish kings, is the birthplace of this dance. The Kraków costume is considered the national Polish costume. A dança Krakowiak originou-se na região de Kraków. O traje de Kraków é considerado o traje nacional polonês.
Women’s costume: Originally simple, it was enriched in the 19th century with elaborate embroidery. The skirt is floral, and the vest is velvet and colorful. Women may wear a flower crown; married women wear a white headdress. Ribbons are attached to the right shoulder, and black mid-calf boots are worn. A colorful apron completes the outfit.
Men’s costume: Men wear red-and-white striped trousers, reflecting the national flag. A sleeveless coat reaches the knees, made of wool or dark blue velvet with embroidery or bands. A leather belt with metal rings hangs from the coat, and a white shirt is worn underneath. Black boots and a red four-cornered hat decorated with ribbons and peacock feathers complete the ensemble.
In the photo, Adriano Vieira Goulart and Sirlei Novak de Araujo Goulart, after the performance at Nações Shopping in Criciúma. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 14/11/2021
Nº 025-100
Title: Orzeł Biały Polish Folkloric Group Description: Presentation during the 2nd Cultural Night held at the Orzeł Biały Social Headquarters. Rzeszów costume. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 02/07/2022
Nº 025-201
Title: Orzeł Biały Polish Folkloric Group Description: Moments before the performance at the 14th FESTFOLK at Vila Germânica in Blumenau. Local: Blumenau, Brazil Date of Registration: 23/04/022
Nº 025-138
Title: St. Casimir`s Church social hall Description: The social hall is the stage for major events in the Linha Batista community. Among the highlights, for example, the traditional Polish Gastronomy Festival (Dzień Polski) is held there annually in September, and the Polish Recreational Afternoon (Szczęście i Kultura), which takes place in July. The space serves as an important venue for the celebration and preservation of cultural traditions and community ties. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 03/09/2022
Nº 025-282
Title: Orzeł Biały Polish Folkloric Group Description: The new generation of dancers from the Orzeł Biały Polish Folkloric Group performs the Suita Wielkopolska dance during the Polish Gastronomy Festival, held in the social hall of St. Casimir`s Church. Wearing the colorful Krakowiak costume, the youth group demonstrates in every step and gesture the joy of preserving their ancestors` culture. Their performance is an important link that ensures the continuity of traditions, keeping Polish folklore alive within the community. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 04/09/2022
Nº 025-314
Title: Making Pierogi Description: Generally, the execution of this activity transcends the simple preparation of a dish: it represents an act of maintaining culture and identity, reinforcing the group`s cohesion and transmitting traditional knowledge in a practical and communal way.
In the image, the preparation of the filling with the grinding of the cheese curd is shown, done by the members of the Polish Folkloric Group Orzeł Biały. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 04/06/2022
Nº 025-175
Title: Orzeł Biały Polish Folkloric Group Description: Moments before the performance at the 14th FESTFOLK at Vila Germânica in Blumenau. Kaszubską costume. Local: Blumenau, Brazil Date of Registration: 23/04/022
Nº 025-141
Title: Orzeł Biały Polish Folkloric Group Description: Moments before the performance at the 14th FESTFOLK at Vila Germânica in Blumenau. Local: Blumenau, Brazil Date of Registration: 23/04/022
Nº 025-149
Title: The ice-breaking ceremony Description: During the Polish Traditional Lunch (Dzień Polski), held in the parish hall of St. Casimir`s Church, one of the most emblematic moments is the symbolic ceremony of breaking the ice to reach a bottle of vodka. This ritual expresses the community`s unity and vitality, serving as a metaphor for overcoming obstacles and preserving traditions. Filled with joy, humor, and energy, the act engages the enthusiastic participation of the attendees and the Orzeł Biały Polish Folkloric Group in traditional costumes, revealing the collective strength that sustains Polish cultural heritage. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 15/12/2023
Nº 025-422
Title: Orzeł Biały Choir Description: The image shows Father Jadilson Tasca and the Orzeł Biały Choir celebrating after their performance at a Mass in honor of Our Lady of Częstochowa, held at St. Casimir`s Church. The choir is wearing traditional Polish costumes. I`d like to take this opportunity to pay a posthumous tribute to our friend Maria de Lourdes Souza (the second person from the left in the front row), a Professor of Languages and Literatures, and a Master in Education. Maria de Lourdes integrated the singing work developed by the Orzeł Biały Choir with great dedication. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 27/08/2022
Nº 025-273
Title: Orzeł Biały Polish Folkloric Group Description: Polish folk dance performed by the Orzeł Biały Polish Folkloric Group during the Polish Gastronomy Festival, held in the social hall of St. Casimir`s Church. In this image, the members showcase the Rzeszów costume, with its rich colors and details. The art of movement and the splendor of the attire celebrate the cultural identity of the community: a vibrant link between past and present. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 04/09/2022
Nº 025-299
Title: Orzeł Biały Polish Folkloric Group Description: Performance at the 14th FESTFOLK at Vila Germânica in Blumenau. Kaszubską costume. Local: Blumenau, Brazil Date of Registration: 24/04/022
Nº 025-122
Title: Old wooden chair Description: It is part of the historical collection maintained and preserved by the Orzeł Biały Society, which includes original pieces that were part of the daily life of families in the region. Each of these pieces tells us a story of work and, therefore, constitutes a material testimony of the journey and life of Polish immigrants and their descendants. Together, they form a memorial that celebrates the legacy left by those who built their lives in Linha Batista. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 30/07/2022
Nº 025-229
Title: Traditional polish costumes Description: The photograph shows a framed display titled "Polish Costumes", which presents a collection of images of traditional Polish garments. Each costume represents the cultural diversity of the different regions of the country. The piece is part of the hall`s decor, reclaiming history and preserving the cultural heritage of the immigrants and their descendants. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 30/07/2022
Nº 025-255
Title: Orzeł Biały Polish Folkloric Group Description: Performance at the 14th FESTFOLK at Vila Germânica in Blumenau. Kaszubską costume. Local: Blumenau, Brazil Date of Registration: 24/04/022
Nº 025-129
Title: Polish music at the Polish Gastronomy Festival Description: Performance by the Orzeł Biały Choir during the Polish Gastronomy Festival. Under the direction of conductor Marina Leal, voices come together in unison to sing in Polish, performing songs that evoke Poland, strengthening the sense of belonging and keeping one of the community`s richest traditions alive. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 04/09/2022
Nº 025-296
Title: Orzeł Biały Polish Folkloric Group Description: During the Polish Typical Lunch – Dzień Polski (Day of Poland), held in the parish hall of St. Casimir`s Church, the performance of the Orzeł Biały Polish Folkloric Group was a vibrant celebration of Polish heritage. The image, which brings together different moments of the show, highlights the energy and joy of the dancers, who enthusiastically convey the beauty and strength of their traditions. The presentation was a true festival of colors, marked by the diversity of traditional costumes that reveal the richness and plurality of Poland`s cultural legacy. The participation of the children and youth members reaffirmed the continuity of this heritage, preserved and proudly passed down from generation to generation. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 27/08/2023
Nº 025-403
Title: Polish scarves Description: The vibrant Polish scarves, with their rich floral patterns, were part of the decoration at the Polish Gastronomy Festival, held in 2022 in the St. Casimir`s Church Social Hall. Each visual element celebrates the joy and richness of traditions that are manifested not only in the cuisine but also in the festive aesthetics of the community. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 04/09/2022
Nº 025-317
Title: Orzeł Biały Polish Folkloric Group Description: Details of the Polish folk dance performed by the Orzeł Biały Polish Folkloric Group during the Polish Gastronomy Festival, held in the social hall of St. Casimir`s Church. In each image, the richness of the traditional costumes and the art of movement, the splendor of colors, celebrate the cultural identity of the community: a vibrant link between past and present. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 04/09/2022
Nº 025-298
Title: Making Pierogi Description: Generally, the execution of this activity transcends the simple preparation of a dish: it represents an act of maintaining culture and identity, reinforcing the group`s cohesion and transmitting traditional knowledge in a practical and communal way.
In the image, the cooking of the Pierogi, which is done in large pots. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 04/06/2022
Nº 025-181
Title: Orzeł Biały Polish Folkloric Group Description: Performance at the 14th FESTFOLK at Vila Germânica in Blumenau. Krakowiak costume. Local: Blumenau, Brazil Date of Registration: 23/04/022
Nº 025-164
Title: Making Pierogi Description: Generally, the execution of this activity transcends the simple preparation of a dish: it represents an act of maintaining culture and identity, reinforcing the group`s cohesion and transmitting traditional knowledge in a practical and communal way.
The image illustrates the final stage of the production, showing a large quantity of Pierogi already formed and ready for storage. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 04/06/2022
Nº 025-179
Title: Interior of the Church of St. Casimir Description: The image shows the interior of the Church of St. Casimir, a simple masonry space with straight lines, enriched by elements of symbolic significance. The nave ceiling, covered in wood, features a central cross in low relief, formed by diagonally arranged planks, creating a striking visual effect. The side windows, with translucent glass in light shades of blue and yellow, filter natural light, giving the space a soft luminosity. The Stations of the Cross along the walls and the wooden pews complete the composition, highlighting the space`s liturgical and symbolic function. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 13/03/2012
Nº 025-446
Title: Orzeł Biały Polish Folkloric Group Description: The Orzeł Biały Polish Folkloric Group performs the Kaszubian folk dance Suita Kaszubska during the Polish Gastronomy Festival, held in the social hall of St. Casimir`s Church. In the image, wearing the Kaszubian costume, the joy and cultural connection of the dancing couple shine through in every movement. Their performance celebrates the cultural identity of the community with sensitivity, creating an important link between the past and the present through the art of dance. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 04/09/2022
Nº 025-303
Title: Mass in honor of Our Lady of Częstochowa Description: The images record significant moments of the Offertory and Communion at Saint Casimir`s Church. During the Offertory, two members of the Orzeł Biały Polish Folkloric Group, in traditional costumes, bring the bread and wine to the altar, uniting tradition and devotion. Next, Father Jadilson Tasca celebrates the Eucharist: he raises the consecrated host, presenting it to the assembly as a sign of adoration, and then raises the chalice with the consecrated wine, repeating the gesture of offering. He then receives his communion, receiving the Body and Blood of Christ. Immediately after, the Priest and the Ministers of the Eucharist distribute communion to the faithful. Overall, the images highlight the experience of faith in communion with the preservation of Polish cultural identity. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 27/08/2022
Nº 025-271
Title: Making Pierogi Description: Generally, the execution of this activity transcends the simple preparation of a dish: it represents an act of maintaining culture and identity, reinforcing the group`s cohesion and transmitting traditional knowledge in a practical and communal way.
In the image, the forming of the Pierogi is taking place. A tool is used to cut and seal the dough around the filling, creating the final shape. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 04/06/2022
Nº 025-178
Title: Objects with illustrations referencing Polish culture Description: Decorative cups and mugs arranged on a colorful crochet tablecloth in shades of red, blue, orange, and beige. The mugs feature illustrations of characters dressed in traditional Polish costumes, identified by regional names or styles, such as “Krakowiak,” “Lublin,” and “Góralski.” In the background, there are glass cups with the inscription “Poland” and Polish coats of arms, as well as small shot glasses with engravings of the white eagle, Poland’s national symbol. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 04/06/2022
Nº 025-172
Title: Pierogi Description: One of the most traditional and beloved dishes served during the Polish Gastronomy Festival, held in the social hall of St. Casimir`s Church, is the fried Pierogi. Served in large quantities, these potato-dough dumplings are filled with delicious cheese curd. The dish, preserved by descendants, represents the heart of Polish cuisine and is one of the main attractions of the event, uniting the community through the flavors of its heritage. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 04/09/2022
Nº 025-318
Title: Framed displays with the inscription Description: Each framed display contains a collection of portraits of important figures from Polish history and folklore. The display of these portraits in the hall reinforces the community`s connection to its cultural and historical roots. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 30/07/2022
Nº 025-256
Title: Cemetery of Linha Batista Description: Located at the back of Saint Casimir`s Church, the Cemetery of Linha Batista is a place of reverence and memory, where members of the community`s families, mostly descendants of Poles, rest. It is a testament to history and a symbolic element in cultural preservation. Each burial vault, with its characteristics, reflects the traditions and faith of those who contributed to the formation of the Polish identity in the region. The cemetery thus serves as a link between generations, uniting the community`s past and present. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 30/07/2022
Nº 025-207
Title: Orzeł Biały Polish Folkloric Group Description: Conclusion of the Orzeł Biały Polish Folkloric Group`s performance at the Polish Gastronomy Festival, in the social hall of St. Casimir`s Church. On stage, the group gathers in its entirety, with members of all ages, including the small and future dancers dressed in traditional Polish costumes. The vitality of traditions, passed down from generation to generation, celebrates the community`s identity in every smile and ensures that the Polish roots remain alive. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 04/09/2022
Nº 025-315
Title: Colors and flavors of the polish lunch Description: Polish cuisine is one of the highlights of the Polish Traditional Lunch - Dzień Polski (Poland Day) celebration, held in the feast hall of Saint Casimir`s Church. The image highlights the variety of salads served, which captivate with their colors and flavors. The trays, artistically arranged with cabbage, carrots, tomatoes and other vegetables, not only complement the meal but also demonstrate the appreciation for tradition and the richness of the culture at the table. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 27/08/2023
Nº 025-405
Title: Orzeł Biały Polish Folkloric Group Description: Performance at the 14th FESTFOLK at Vila Germânica in Blumenau. Krakowiak costume. Local: Blumenau, Brazil Date of Registration: 23/04/022
Nº 025-157
Title: Old buildings endure through time Description: Living symbols of the roots planted by Polish immigrants in the new land, they stand as a true testimony to the resilience and determination of those who, in building a new life, left a lasting legacy for future generations. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 03/09/2022
Nº 025-294
Title: Homage to Polish immigrants Description: Photo frame honoring the Polish immigrants, with the following inscription: "As followers of Christ, through living faith, they crossed the ocean and overcame tribulations". The photo includes images of the oil paintings they brought from Poland. Collection of the Orzeł Biały Society. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 30/07/2022
Nº 025-231
Title: Old knives and cleavers Description: This is a set of knives and cleavers, essential pieces in the daily routine of immigrant families. Used in food preparation and handling meat, these robust instruments reveal the arduous tasks and self-sufficiency that marked the community`s daily life. It is part of the historical collection maintained and preserved by the Orzeł Biały Society, which includes original pieces that were part of the daily life of families in the region. Each of these pieces tells us a story of work and, therefore, constitutes a material testimony of the journey and life of Polish immigrants and their descendants. Together, they form a memorial that celebrates the legacy left by those who built their lives in Linha Batista. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 30/07/2022
Nº 025-241
Title: Orzeł Biały Polish Folkloric Group Description: Presentation during the 2nd Cultural Night held at the Orzeł Biały Social Headquarters. Lublin costume. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 02/07/2022
Nº 025-203
Title: Testimonies of the polish pioneers Description: The image shows the first page of a questionnaire used in a historical-sociological research conducted in 1979, preserved at the Pedro Milanez Municipal Historical Archive, part of the Criciúma Cultural Foundation. The document is of significant historical value, as it records interviews with children and grandchildren of pioneer immigrants, such as Casemiro Demboski, a resident of Linha Batista, addressing various aspects of the settlers` lives. These accounts consistently reveal the deep religiosity that characterized the first Polish immigrants and how this tradition continues to this day, albeit with some transformations. The narratives provide detailed information about the early years in the region, allowing the community and researchers to better understand the realities faced by the pioneers and the context of Polish colonization in southern Santa Catarina. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 06/11/1979
Nº 025-441
Title: Decoration for the Polish Gastronomy Festival Description: Arrangements of colorful flowers in handcrafted baskets and hand-painted bottles are part of the decoration for the Polish Gastronomy Festival, held in 2022 in the St. Casimir`s Church Social Hall. Each visual element celebrates the joy and richness of the traditions that are manifested not only in the cuisine, but also in the festive aesthetics of the community. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 03/09/2022
Nº 025-277
Title: Orzeł Biały Choir Description: The images capture the Orzeł Biały Choir during the celebration of the Mass in honor of Our Lady of Częstochowa at St. Casimir`s Church. The members wear attire that reflects traditional Polish culture, combining cultural identity with visual cohesion. The women wear white three-quarter sleeve blouses, decorated with red floral embroidery on the front and sleeves. The floral motifs are reminiscent of patterns typical of Polish folk art. The outfit is completed with plain red skirts of classic cut and medium length, along with black shoes. The men wear black suits, white dress shirts, and black trousers, complemented by a red stole draped over the shoulders — an accessory that reinforces the group`s visual identity, evokes the colors of the Polish flag, and creates a chromatic dialogue with the women`s attire. The ensemble is completed with black dress shoes. Under the direction of conductor Marina Leal, who also plays the piano, the songs are performed in Polish, blending faith and rich musical traditions while reaffirming the community`s sense of belonging. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 26/08/2023
Nº 025-336
Title: Coat of Arms with the White Eagle: the Polish soul in Linha Batista Description: In front of the headquarters of the Orzeł Biały Society, this tile mosaic displaying the Polish Coat of Arms is a living representation of the identity, history, and resilient spirit of a people who built their foundations in the south of Santa Catarina. For the descendants of Polish immigrants, this coat of arms is the tangible connection to their ancestral land, a lighthouse that directs the preservation of memory, traditions, and cultural values on Brazilian soil. The expression above, TOWARZYSTWO ORZEŁ BIAŁY, means: White Eagle Society. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 04/06/2022
Nº 025-183
Title: 3rd Cultural Night Description: The cultural exchange between the Polish Folkloric Group Orzeł Biały and Jupem – Polski Zespół Folklorystyczny z Erechim (Polish Folkloric Group of Erechim) culminated in a dance performance at the Jayme A. Zanatta Auditorium of ACIC – Associação Empresarial de Criciúma (Criciúma`s Business Association), during the 3rd Cultural Night – Folklore in Motion: Polish Dance Gathering. On stage, the two groups alternated in traditional dances that celebrated Polish heritage. The images capture the final moment of the performances, when members of both groups gathered on stage to pay mutual tribute, reaffirming shared ideals and honoring traditions passed down from generation to generation through dance. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 30/11/2024
Nº 025-435
Title: Old oil lamp Description: It is part of the historical collection maintained and preserved by the Orzeł Biały Society, which includes original pieces that were part of the daily life of families in the region. Each of these pieces tells us a story of work and, therefore, constitutes a material testimony of the journey and life of Polish immigrants and their descendants. Together, they form a memorial that celebrates the legacy left by those who built their lives in Linha Batista. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 30/07/2022
Nº 025-220
Title: Icon of Our Lady of Częstochowa Description: This is an icon of Our Lady of Częstochowa, also known as the "Black Madonna". The painting, which represents the Virgin Mary with the Child Jesus, is one of the most important religious and cultural symbols of Poland. Its presence, affixed to one of the walls of the Hall of the Orzeł Biały Society, underlines the deep faith and strong connection of the immigrant community to their historical and religious roots. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 30/07/2022
Nº 025-237
Title: The strength of family tradition Description: Members of the Polish Folkloric Group Orzeł Biały, Sérgio Novak de Araujo and his wife Andreza Patel with the couple`s daughters, in the moments leading up to the presentation at the 2nd Cultural Night. Dressed in traditional costumes, the family celebrates the Polish cultural heritage of their ancestors and proudly and joyfully demonstrates the preservation of traditions. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 02/07/2022
Nº 025-187
Title: The legacy of families of Polish origin Description: At the Linha Batista Cemetery, each burial vault and tombstone represents a page of the community`s history, serving as a place of contemplation and a testament to the presence and faith of the descendants of Poles in the region. It is a link that unites past and present generations, preserving the cultural identity and memory of each family. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 30/07/2022
Nº 025-212
Title: 3rd Cultural Night Description: The Polish Folkloric Group Jupem – Polski Zespół Folklorystyczny z Erechim (Polish Folkloric Group of Erechim) performed during the 3rd Cultural Night – Folklore in Motion: Polish Dance Gathering, held at the Jayme A. Zanatta Auditorium of ACIC – Associação Empresarial de Criciúma (Criciúma`s Business Association). Recognized as one of the leading representatives of Polish cultural preservation and promotion in southern Brazil, particularly in the Alto Uruguai region of Rio Grande do Sul, the group brought its expertise to the stage, performing traditional dances in colorful and detailed costumes. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 30/11/2024
Nº 025-436
Title: Orzeł Biały Polish Folkloric Group Description: Presentation during the 2nd Cultural Night held at the Orzeł Biały Social Headquarters. Lublin costume. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 02/07/2022
Nº 025-202
Title: Cultural exchange Description: During their visit to Criciúma, the ZPiT Politechniki Warszawskiej (Song and Dance Ensemble of the Warsaw University of Technology) explored local sites that reveal the region`s history. In the image, they are joined by members of the Orzeł Biały Polish Folkloric Group at the entrance of the “Octávio Fontana” Visitor Mine, the only coal mine in Latin America open to public visits. The moment of integration highlights the connection between the history of Polish immigration and the mining heritage that helped shape the Criciúma region. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 21/04/2023
Nº 025-326
Title: Polish scarves Description: The vibrant Polish scarves, with their rich floral prints, were part of the decoration for the Polish Gastronomy Festival, held in 2022 in the St. Casimir`s Church Social Hall. Each visual element celebrates the joy and richness of the traditions that are manifested not only in the cuisine, but also in the festive aesthetics of the community. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 03/09/2022
Nº 025-278
Title: In Memory of Ana Carolina de Oliveira Novak (1996 - 2022) Description: "Dancing was always her passion, and even with limitations, Ana ALWAYS went on stage with a huge smile and a twinkle in her eyes. For us, her light will never cease to exist."
This phrase, projected during the 2nd Cultural Night, echoes the feeling of everyone who knew her. Her passion for dance, her contagious smile, and the joy she radiated remain alive in our memory. Ana Carolina was a cherished member of the Polish Folkloric Group Orzeł Biały, and her absence is deeply felt. This tribute was a way to celebrate her life and keep the flame of her dedication to Polish culture alive. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 02/07/2022
Nº 025-210
Title: Orzeł Biały Polish Folkloric Group Description: Portraits of members of the Orzeł Biały Polish Folkloric Group during the Polish Gastronomy Festival, held in the St. Casimir`s Church social hall. Dressed in their elaborate and colorful traditional costumes, the members celebrate the rich cultural heritage of their ancestors. The wearing of these authentic garments is an act of preservation that keeps traditions alive and strengthens the community`s sense of identity. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 04/09/2022
Nº 025-297
Title:Pierogi Description: Polish stuffed dumplings made with potato dough and filled with curd cheese, served with white sauce at the Traditional Polish Lunch – Dzień Polski (Day of Poland), held in the parish hall of St. Casimir`s Church. Prepared by the Polish community of Linha Batista, this dish pays tribute to the rich culinary tradition of Poland. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 27/08/2023
Nº 025-410
Title: Orzeł Biały Polish Folkloric Group Description: Sunday rehearsal. Every Sunday at 5:30 p.m., the group gathers to rehearse its dance repertoire, a way to ensure both performance and the quality of the presentations. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 10/04/2022
Nº 025-107
Title: 3rd Cultural Night Description: Performance of the Polish Folkloric Group Orzeł Biały during the 3rd Cultural Night – Folklore in Motion: Polish Dance Gathering, held at the Jayme A. Zanatta Auditorium of ACIC – Associação Empresarial de Criciúma (Criciúma`s Business Association). The group wears the Kaszubską costume, characterized by its predominant use of blue and colorful embroidered floral motifs, each color carrying its own significance. These elements reflect the peasant traditions of the Kashubia region and Polish cultural identity. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 30/11/2024
Nº 025-432
Title: Mass in honor of Our Lady of Częstochowa Description: Mass held at St. Casimir`s Church. At the altar, Father Jadilson Tasca delivers his words during the acclamation of the Gospel, beginning the Liturgy of the Word. The image of Our Lady, adorned with flowers, is highlighted in the foreground, next to a statue of Saint John Paul II. The atmosphere is one of profound faith and devotion, with the religious celebration taking its course. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 27/08/2022
Nº 025-268
Title: Parish notices Description: During the parish notices, Mr. Arlindo Milack, president of the Orzeł Biały Society and also a member of the choir, invites the public to the Traditional Polish Lunch that will take place on 04/09/2022 in the church`s social hall. An event that reinforces the unity between faith and tradition in the Polish community of Linha Batista. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 27/08/2022
Nº 025-272
Title: Symbol of identity and tradition Description: The photo shows a wooden plaque with the Coat of Arms of Poland, represented by the white eagle (Orzeł Biały in Polish). This emblem, the foremost symbol of the Polish nation, was used as part of the decoration above the main entrance door, adorned with natural flowers, through which participants entered the Traditional Polish Lunch – Dzień Polski (Day of Poland), held in the parish hall of St. Casimir`s Church. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 27/08/2023
Nº 025-404
Title: Our Lady of Częstochowa Description: The image shows a centuries-old painting of Our Lady of Częstochowa, patroness and queen of the Polish people, executed in oil and traditional materials and techniques from Poland. The artwork is currently displayed at the Church of Saint Casimir in Linha Batista, symbolizing the devotion brought to Brazil by the settlers and contributing to the preservation of Polish identity within immigrant communities. It is one of three paintings brought by the Polish pioneers that remain on display in the church. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 13/03/2012
Nº 025-449
Title: Merciful Jesus Description: The image shows a print of Merciful Jesus, displayed at the Church of Saint Casimir in Linha Batista. It is a depiction of Jesus Christ based on the visions of Saint Faustina Kowalska, a Polish nun who received messages about Divine Mercy in the early 20th century. The artwork is characterized by the red and pale rays emanating from Jesus` heart, symbolizing the Blood and Water that flowed from His Heart. The inscription at the bottom, "JEZU UFAM TOBIE," means "JESUS, I TRUST IN YOU" in Polish. This image holds great significance in the devotion to Divine Mercy, which is very popular in Poland and among Polish communities around the world. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 13/03/2012
Nº 025-451
Title: Orzeł Biały Polish Folkloric Group Description: Performance at the 14th FESTFOLK at Vila Germânica in Blumenau. Kaszubską costume. Local: Blumenau, Brazil Date of Registration: 24/04/022
Nº 025-128
Title: Traditional clothing Description: Traditional Polish folk costumes worn by the Polish Folkloric Group Orzeł Biały. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 10/04/2022
Nº 025-102
Title: Old iron cobbler`s last Description: Old iron cobbler`s last, used as a support for repairing and shaping shoes. It is part of the historical collection maintained and preserved by the Orzeł Biały Society, which includes original pieces that were part of the daily life of families in the region. Each of these pieces tells us a story of work and, therefore, constitutes a material testimony of the journey and life of Polish immigrants and their descendants. Together, they form a memorial that celebrates the legacy left by those who built their lives in Linha Batista. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 30/07/2022
Nº 025-245
Title: Orzeł Biały Polish Folkloric Group Description: Performance at the 14th FESTFOLK at Vila Germânica in Blumenau. Kaszubską costume. Local: Blumenau, Brazil Date of Registration: 24/04/022
Nº 025-125
Title: Decorative flowers Description: The ornamentation used at the 2nd Cultural Night exhibits wicker baskets with flowers and colorful adornments: authenticity and care with which the Polish community of Linha Batista celebrates its traditions. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 02/07/2022
Nº 025-188
Title:Chleb kukurydzy Description: Cornbread, one of the traditional dishes served at the Polish Typical Lunch – Dzień Polski (Poland Day), held in the banquet hall of St. Casimir`s Church. Prepared by the Polish community of Linha Batista, the dish pays tribute to the country`s rich culinary heritage. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 27/08/2023
Nº 025-407
Title: Meeting and traditions Description: A view of the people present from the stage of the Social Hall of the Orzeł Biały Society during the 2nd Cultural Night: celebrating Polish culture. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 02/07/2022
Nº 025-190
Title: Orzeł Biały Polish Folkloric Group Description: Closing of the performance at the 14th FESTFOLK at Vila Germânica in Blumenau. Krakowiak costume. Local: Blumenau, Brazil Date of Registration: 23/04/022
Nº 025-168
Title: Main door of the Church of St. Casimir Description: The image highlights the main door of the Church of St. Casimir. The double wooden door features decorative relief details that reflect the faith and Catholic tradition of the community. On one side is the IHS symbol (Iesus Hominum Salvator – Jesus, Savior of Men) with rays; on the other, the chalice with the host, the cross, and grapes, evoking the Eucharist. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 03/09/2022
Nº 025-439
Title: Old buildings endure through time Description: Living symbols of the roots planted by Polish immigrants in the new land, they stand as a true testimony to the resilience and determination of those who, in building a new life, left a lasting legacy for future generations. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 03/09/2022
Nº 025-291
Title: Details in polish folk costume Description: The image shows a close-up of the hairstyle of a member of the Polish Folkloric Group Orzeł Biały, during the 3rd Cultural Night – Folklore in Motion: Polish Dance Gathering, held at the Jayme A. Zanatta Auditorium of ACIC – Associação Empresarial de Criciúma (Criciúma`s Business Association). The focus is on the floral crown and colorful ribbons woven into the braid, characteristic elements of the Polish folk costume. The composition highlights the craftsmanship and the continuity of traditions passed down through generations. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 30/11/2024
Nº 025-430
Title: Orzeł Biały Polish Folkloric Group Description: Performance at the 14th FESTFOLK at Vila Germânica in Blumenau. Kaszubską costume. Local: Blumenau, Brazil Date of Registration: 24/04/022
Nº 025-135
Title: Old decorated enameled mug Description: It is part of the historical collection maintained and preserved by the Orzeł Biały Society, which includes original pieces that were part of the daily life of families in the region. Each of these pieces tells us a story of work and, therefore, constitutes a material testimony of the journey and life of Polish immigrants and their descendants. Together, they form a memorial that celebrates the legacy left by those who built their lives in Linha Batista. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 30/07/2022
Nº 025-222
Title: Casemiro Stachurski Municipal School of Basic Education Description: Located on Leonardo Bialeck road, in Linha Batista, the Casemiro Stachurski Municipal School of Basic Education has its roots in the pioneering effort of Polish immigrants to literate their descendants. From a history that began with educators from the community itself, the institution today keeps this tradition alive, blending history and modernity. Serving students from Early Childhood to Elementary Education, the school has a multidisciplinary team and excellent infrastructure, ensuring comprehensive education and support for the social and emotional development of its students. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 03/09/2022
Nº 025-283
Title: Orzeł Biały Polish Folkloric Group Description: The Orzeł Biały Polish Folkloric Group performs the Kaszubian folk dance Suita Kaszubska during the Polish Gastronomy Festival, held in the social hall of St. Casimir`s Church. In the image, wearing the Kaszubian costume, the joy and cultural connection of the dancing couple shine through in every movement. Their performance celebrates the cultural identity of the community with sensitivity, creating an important link between the past and the present through the art of dance. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 04/09/2022
Nº 025-309
Title: Orzeł Biały Polish Folkloric Group Description: Polish folk dance performed by the Orzeł Biały Polish Folkloric Group during the Polish Gastronomy Festival, held in the social hall of St. Casimir`s Church. In this image, the members showcase the Rzeszów costume, with its rich colors and details. The art of movement and the splendor of the attire celebrate the cultural identity of the community: a vibrant link between past and present. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 04/09/2022
Nº 025-300
Title: Polish gastronomy festival Description: The Polish Gastronomy Festival is a celebration that, alongside dance and music, honors the rich cuisine of the homeland of the Linha Batista settlers. Images of the buffet showcase a variety of traditional dishes, keeping the culture and traditions alive while offering participants an authentic experience of Polish flavors. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 01/09/2024
Nº 025-427
Title: Orzeł Biały Polish Folkloric Group at FestFolk Description: The Orzeł Biały Polish Folkloric Group is featured in this photograph after their performance at the 14th FestFolk, held at Vila Germânica in Blumenau, Brazil. Dressed in their colorful traditional Polish costumes, the photograph marks a significant moment in the dance group`s history. This image, authored by Ruy Luiz Machado, is affixed at the Hall of the Orzeł Biały Society. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 30/07/2022
Nº 025-258
Title: Polish traditional lunch Description: The Polish Traditional Lunch - Dzień Polski (Poland Day) is a celebration that, in addition to dance and music, honors the rich cuisine of the country. The image highlights the variety of hot dishes served in the feast hall of Saint Casimir`s Church. The meal becomes a moment of togetherness, where the flavors of tradition unite the community in a celebratory feast. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 27/08/2023
Nº 025-406
Title: Orzeł Biały Polish Folkloric Group Description: Sunday rehearsal. Every Sunday at 5:30 p.m., the group gathers to rehearse its dance repertoire, a way to ensure both performance and the quality of the presentations. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 10/04/2022
Nº 025-104
Title: Traditional polish lunch Description: The Traditional Polish Lunch – Dzień Polski (Day of Poland) is a celebration that, in addition to dance and music, honors the country`s rich culinary heritage. The image highlights the variety of dishes served in the parish hall of St. Casimir`s Church. The meal becomes a moment of fellowship, where the flavors of tradition bring the community together in a festive banquet. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 27/08/2023
Nº 025-414
Title: The shared host at Opłatek Description: Rich in symbolism, it represents unity, forgiveness, and fraternity, strengthening the bonds among family, friends, and members of the community. Simple in its composition — made only of flour and water, without yeast — it reflects the purity and humility of Jesus’ birth, reinforcing closeness and belonging. It has a rectangular shape, with delicate low-relief designs depicting Christmas figures, such as the Holy Family, for example. Each participant offers and receives a piece, accompanied by wishes for peace, health, and prosperity, transforming the gesture into an act of prayer, care, and celebration. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 15/12/2023
Nº 025-419
Title: 3rd Cultural Night Description: Performance of the Polish Folkloric Group Orzeł Biały during the 3rd Cultural Night – Folklore in Motion: Polish Dance Gathering, held at the Jayme A. Zanatta Auditorium of ACIC – Associação Empresarial de Criciúma (Criciúma`s Business Association). In the image, the couples wear the Kaszubską costume and perform dances that highlight Polish tradition and cultural identity. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 30/11/2024
Nº 025-433
Title: Cultural exchange Description: The visit of the Polish group ZPiT Politechniki Warszawskiej (Song and Dance Ensemble of the Warsaw University of Technology) to Criciúma also included moments of high visibility, accompanied by coverage from the local media. The image shows some members of the group alongside members of the Orzeł Biały Polish Folkloric Group at the Albert Einstein E=mc² Astronomical Park. Wearing traditional costumes and sharing their cultural richness, the groups highlight the honor of welcoming the Polish ensemble, while also emphasizing the significance of Polish colonization in Criciúma and the preservation of this cultural heritage. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 21/04/2023
Nº 025-328
Title: Orzeł Biały Polish Folkloric Group Description: Sunday rehearsal. Every Sunday at 5:30 p.m., the group gathers to rehearse its dance repertoire, a way to ensure both performance and the quality of the presentations. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 10/04/2022
Nº 025-106
Title: Orzeł Biały Polish Folkloric Group Description: Moments before the performance at the 14th FESTFOLK at Vila Germânica in Blumenau. Local: Blumenau, Brazil Date of Registration: 23/04/022
Nº 025-142
Title: Old coal-heated irons Description: It is part of the historical collection maintained and preserved by the Orzeł Biały Society, which includes original pieces that were part of the daily life of families in the region. Each of these pieces tells us a story of work and, therefore, constitutes a material testimony of the journey and life of Polish immigrants and their descendants. Together, they form a memorial that celebrates the legacy left by those who built their lives in Linha Batista. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 30/07/2022
Nº 025-217
Title: Cemetery of Linha Batista Description: Located at the back of Saint Casimir`s Church, the Cemetery of Linha Batista is a place of reverence and memory, where members of the community`s families, mostly descendants of Poles, rest. It is a testament to history and a symbolic element in cultural preservation. Each burial vault, with its characteristics, reflects the traditions and faith of those who contributed to the formation of the Polish identity in the region. The cemetery thus serves as a link between generations, uniting the community`s past and present. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 30/07/2022
Nº 025-208
Title: 3rd Cultural Night Description: Performance of the Polish Folkloric Group Orzeł Biały during the 3rd Cultural Night – Folklore in Motion: Polish Dance Gathering, held at the Jayme A. Zanatta Auditorium of ACIC – Associação Empresarial de Criciúma (Criciúma`s Business Association). The group wears the traditional costume of Rzeszów, noted for its vibrant colors and elaborate details that reflect peasant traditions and Polish cultural identity. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 30/11/2024
Nº 025-431
Title: Oil painting of flowers Description: Esse quadro está afixado em uma das paredes da sede da Sociedade Orzeł Biały. Apresenta uma pintura a óleo de um buquê de flores. Com cores vibrantes e pinceladas expressivas, a obra de autor desconhecido contrasta com as exposições históricas e folclóricas do salão, oferecendo um toque de delicadeza e beleza natural à decoração do ambiente. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 30/07/2022
Nº 025-263
Title: Orzeł Biały Polish Folkloric Group Description: Sunday rehearsal. Every Sunday at 5:30 p.m., the group gathers to rehearse its dance repertoire, a way to ensure both performance and the quality of the presentations. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 10/04/2022
Nº 025-108
Title: Old auger Description: This manual tool was used to make holes in wood. The cross-shaped handle allowed for more force and precision during drilling. It is part of the historical collection maintained and preserved by the Orzeł Biały Society, which includes original pieces that were part of the daily life of families in the region. Each of these pieces tells us a story of work and, therefore, constitutes a material testimony of the journey and life of Polish immigrants and their descendants. Together, they form a memorial that celebrates the legacy left by those who built their lives in Linha Batista. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 30/07/2022
Nº 025-240
Title: Orzeł Biały Polish Folkloric Group Description: Performance at the 14th FESTFOLK at Vila Germânica in Blumenau. Kaszubską costume. Local: Blumenau, Brazil Date of Registration: 24/04/022
Nº 025-132
Title: Orzeł Biały Polish Folkloric Group Description: Sunday rehearsal. Every Sunday at 5:30 p.m., the group gathers to rehearse its dance repertoire, a way to ensure both performance and the quality of the presentations. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 10/04/2022
Nº 025-109
Title: Orzeł Biały Polish Folkloric Group Description: Performance at the 14th FESTFOLK at Vila Germânica in Blumenau. Kaszubską costume. Local: Blumenau, Brazil Date of Registration: 24/04/022
Nº 025-133
Title: Orzeł Biały Polish Folkloric Group Description: Sunday rehearsal. Every Sunday at 5:30 p.m., the group gathers to rehearse its dance repertoire, a way to ensure both performance and the quality of the presentations. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 10/04/2022
Nº 025-115
Title: Old wooden chest Description: It is part of the historical collection maintained and preserved by the Orzeł Biały Society, which includes original pieces that were part of the daily life of families in the region. Each of these pieces tells us a story of work and, therefore, constitutes a material testimony of the journey and life of Polish immigrants and their descendants. Together, they form a memorial that celebrates the legacy left by those who built their lives in Linha Batista. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 30/07/2022
Nº 025-227
Title: Interior of the Church of St. Casimir Description: Images adorning the interior of the Church of St. Casimir. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 13/03/2012
Nº 025-447
Title: Orzeł Biały Polish Folkloric Group Description: Presentation during the 2nd Cultural Night held at the Orzeł Biały Social Headquarters. Rzeszów costume. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 02/07/2022
Nº 025-193
Title: Orzeł Biały Polish Folkloric Group Description: Moments before the performance at the 14th FESTFOLK at Vila Germânica in Blumenau. Local: Blumenau, Brazil Date of Registration: 23/04/022
Nº 025-144
Title: Orzeł Biały Polish Folkloric Group Description: The Orzeł Biały Polish Folkloric Group performs the Suita Kaszubska during the Polish Gastronomy Festival, held in the social hall of St. Casimir`s Church. In the image, wearing the Kaszubian costume, the dancer`s expressiveness stands out in every gesture as she interprets the dance movements. Her performance celebrates the cultural identity of the community with sensitivity, creating an important link between the past and the present through the art of dance. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 04/09/2022
Nº 025-305
Title: Gołąpki Description: The Polish culinary tradition comes to life through the hands of ladies from the Linha Batista community, who, on the eve of the Polish Gastronomy Festival, gather to prepare the iconic Gołąpki. This dish, which retains the soul of Polish cuisine, consists of elaborating cabbage rolls stuffed with ground meat and rice. This collective work behind the scenes shows the commitment and care in preserving the heritage of the ancestors, ensuring that the taste of tradition is faithfully passed on to each new generation. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 03/09/2022
Nº 025-281
Title: Mr. Wadissuavo Milack, one of the guardians of memory Description: Born in Criciúma on September 25, 1925, son of Francisco Milak and Josefa Kubaski Milack, married to Maria Dagostim Milack (in memoriam), with whom he had 10 children. A resident of Linha Batista, in Criciúma, Brazil, he has always been active in the community as a lay member of St. Casimir Church, participating in social and cultural matters, and being a member of the Polish Choir Orzeł Biały. A dedicated farmer, he worked extensively in the cultivation of various crops to provide for himself and his family. He is well-versed in the history of the descendants of Polish immigrants who reside or have resided in the region. He completed his primary education at the Casemiro Stachurski School, at a time when the teacher was Polish and taught full-time in both Portuguese and Polish. In 2025, he will celebrate his centenary, which will be joyfully commemorated by all his family and friends. (Text authored by his son, Arlindo Milack) Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 27/08/2022
Nº 025-275
Title: Orzeł Biały Polish Folkloric Group Description: Performance at the 14th FESTFOLK at Vila Germânica in Blumenau. Krakowiak costume. Local: Blumenau, Brazil Date of Registration: 23/04/022
Nº 025-162
Title: 3rd Cultural Night Description: The cultural exchange between the Polish Folkloric Group Orzeł Biały and Jupem – Polski Zespół Folklorystyczny z Erechim (Polish Folkloric Group of Erechim) culminated in a vibrant dance performance at the Jayme A. Zanatta Auditorium of ACIC – Associação Empresarial de Criciúma (Criciúma`s Business Association). On stage, the two groups alternated in a showcase that celebrated the richness of Polish heritage, held during the 3rd Cultural Night – Folklore in Motion: Polish Dance Gathering. Jupem, recognized as one of the leading representatives of Polish cultural preservation and promotion in southern Brazil, particularly in the Alto Uruguai region of Rio Grande do Sul, brought its experience to enrich the event. The image captures the final moment of the performance, with members of both groups gathered on stage in their colorful and richly detailed traditional costumes. This joint presentation symbolized the enduring bond between Poland and the Polish-descendant community of Criciúma, reaffirming the vitality of traditions passed down from generation to generation through dance. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 30/11/2024
Nº 025-429
Title: Mass in honor of St. Casimir Description: Held at St. Casimir Church in Linha Batista, was celebrated by Father Jadilson Tasca, with the participation of liturgical ministers and altar servers. The images capture moments of the rite: the solemn entrance, the Liturgy of the Word, and the Eucharist, the central element of the Catholic faith. This act of devotion reflects the tradition preserved over generations by the community of Polish descent, which keeps alive the memory of their ancestors and strengthens their spiritual connection with the patron saint of Poland. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 05/03/2023
Nº 025-323
Title: Orzeł Biały Polish Folkloric Group Description: Presentation during the 2nd Cultural Night held at the Orzeł Biały Social Headquarters. Rzeszów costume. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 02/07/2022
Nº 025-200
Title: Old craft candle making structure Description: This circular iron structure with hanging cords was used for the manual manufacturing of candles. Paraffins or, possibly even beeswax, were poured hot and, therefore, liquefied onto the cords, layer by layer, until they reached the desired thickness. The cooling process allowed the candles to form, demonstrating an ingenious and artisanal technique. It is part of the historical collection maintained and preserved by the Orzeł Biały Society, which includes original pieces that were part of the daily life of families in the region. Each of these pieces tells us a story of work and, therefore, constitutes a material testimony of the journey and life of Polish immigrants and their descendants. Together, they form a memorial that celebrates the legacy left by those who built their lives in Linha Batista. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 30/07/2022
Nº 025-216
Title: Orzeł Biały Polish Folkloric Group Description: Presentation during the 2nd Cultural Night held at the Orzeł Biały Social Headquarters. Lublin costume. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 02/07/2022
Nº 025-199
Title: Old tools and utensils for manual and agricultural work Description: Essas antigas ferramentas e utensílios, todas feitas artesanalmente, demonstram a habilidade e a engenhosidade dos imigrantes pioneiros poloneses em fabricar suas próprias ferramentas e adaptar-se aos desafios do novo lar com os recursos que tinham à disposição. Na foto, da esquerda para a direita, temos um antigo enrolador de corda, uma ferramenta de madeira feita à mão, usada para torcer ou enrolar cordas e fios em ambientes rurais. Ao seu lado, encontram-se vários equipamentos de serra, incluindo um serrote de duas mãos usado para serrar tábuas na vertical. A seguir, um debulhador de feijão, composto por duas peças de madeira, utilizado para bater e separar grãos. Também está presente um pilão, e por fim, um ancinho (ou rastelo) de madeira. It is part of the historical collection maintained and preserved by the Orzeł Biały Society, which includes original pieces that were part of the daily life of families in the region. Each of these pieces tells us a story of work and, therefore, constitutes a material testimony of the journey and life of Polish immigrants and their descendants. Together, they form a memorial that celebrates the legacy left by those who built their lives in Linha Batista. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 30/07/2022
Nº 025-252
Title: Presenter of the Orzeł Biały Polish Folkloric Group Description: The image features Monique Bonfante, the official presenter of the Orzeł Biały Polish Folkloric Group, captured during the performance at the Cultural Space of Criciúma Shopping. Before each presentation, Monique offers a brief narration about the dance, the music, and the costume to be showcased, providing context for the audience. Her contribution enriches the event experience, fostering greater understanding and connection with Polish tradition. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 22/07/2023
Nº 025-335
Title: Homages during the 2nd Cultural Night Description: At the closing of the 2nd Cultural Night, the Polish Folkloric Group Orzeł Biały paid a tribute to the Gaidzinski family, presenting Mrs. Edna Gaidzinski Bastos with a basket containing gifts. In return, Mrs. Edna presented the Orzeł Biały Society with a Polish tapestry with the image of Our Lady of Częstochowa. This piece, which she had kept for years in her home, was a gift she had received from her mother, Mrs. Octávia Búrigo Gaidzinski. Mrs. Edna ended her speech with the following words: "this surprise I had, I kept it all these years, I think today it is in the right place."
The photo in the center is the official record of this moment, showing Mrs. Edna flanked by the group, who are holding the tapestry, the flags of Brazil and Poland, and photos of her mother, Mrs. Octávia, and her brother, Mr. Edson Gaidzinski. This symbolic gesture demonstrates the gratitude and memory for the Gaidzinski family`s significant contribution to the construction of the Social Hall, and represents their union with the community of Linha Batista around Polish culture. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 02/07/2022
Nº 025-204
Title: Old buildings endure through time Description: Living symbols of the roots planted by Polish immigrants in the new land, they stand as a true testimony to the resilience and determination of those who, in building a new life, left a lasting legacy for future generations. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 03/09/2022
Nº 025-292
Title: Making Pierogi Description: Generally, the execution of this activity transcends the simple preparation of a dish: it represents an act of maintaining culture and identity, reinforcing the group`s cohesion and transmitting traditional knowledge in a practical and communal way.
The image illustrates the manual finalization of each pierogi, where a fork is used to seal the edges of the dough and create the characteristic shape, which are then arranged on trays. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 04/06/2022
Nº 025-180
Title: Cultural collection of the Orzeł Biały Society Description: An integral part of the Orzeł Biały Society`s collection, this frame holds an old photograph that captures a moment from the lives of the Polish pioneers. The image shows a group of men in a rocky terrain, a record that symbolizes their journey and hard work in building a new life. It is a valuable document of the community`s history. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 03/09/2022
Nº 025-286
Title: Old manual kitchen grater Description: This piece, produced artisanally from perforated sheet metal and a wooden handle, was essential in family kitchens, being used to grate ingredients like potatoes and cheeses, for example. In the Linha Batista community, it is also known by the name "Cevador," as a synonym for grater, and it illustrates the practical cooking methods and the self-sufficiency of life in these communities. It is part of the historical collection maintained and preserved by the Orzeł Biały Society, which includes original pieces that were part of the daily life of families in the region. Each of these pieces tells us a story of work and, therefore, constitutes a material testimony of the journey and life of Polish immigrants and their descendants. Together, they form a memorial that celebrates the legacy left by those who built their lives in Linha Batista. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 30/07/2022
Nº 025-243
Title: Testimonies of the polish pioneers Description: The image shows the first page of a questionnaire used in a historical-sociological research conducted in 1979, preserved at the Pedro Milanez Municipal Historical Archive, part of the Criciúma Cultural Foundation. The document is of significant historical value, as it records interviews with children and grandchildren of pioneer immigrants, such as Cassimiro Tibincoski, a resident of Linha Batista, addressing various aspects of the settlers` lives. These accounts consistently reveal the deep religiosity that characterized the first Polish immigrants and how this tradition continues to this day, albeit with some transformations. The narratives provide detailed information about the early years in the region, allowing the community and researchers to better understand the realities faced by the pioneers and the context of Polish colonization in southern Santa Catarina. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 11/11/1979
Nº 025-442
Title: Orzeł Biały Polish Folkloric Group Description: The Orzeł Biały Polish Folkloric Group concludes its performance of the Rzeszów Polish folk dance during the Polish Gastronomy Festival, held in the social hall of St. Casimir`s Church. In the image, the men, wearing the Rzeszów costume, finish their performance with a series of unexpected movements that require great physical preparation for their execution. They celebrate the cultural identity of the community, and form an important link between the past and the present. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 04/09/2022
Nº 025-301
Title: Mr. Maximiliano Casemiro Milak, one of the guardians of memory Description: A prominent figure in the community of Linha Batista, he is a portrait of the strength and persistence of Polish heritage. With his discreet and serene presence, Mr. Maximiliano reflects the wisdom and resilience of a community formed by immigrants who, with deep Catholic faith and hard work, have known how and continue to preserve their traditions. Positioned next to the Coat of Arms of the White Eagle (Orzeł Biały), the ultimate symbol of Polish identity, he personifies the history of a people who built their lives in the south of Santa Catarina without ever losing their roots, a guardian of a history that goes beyond his time. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 04/06/2022
Nº 025-182
Title: Tapestry with the image of Our Lady of Częstochowa Description: At the close of the 2nd Cultural Night, Mrs. Edna Gaidzinski Bastos presented the Hall of the Orzeł Biały Society with a Polish tapestry featuring the image of Our Lady of Częstochowa. This artwork, which she had received from her mother, Mrs. Octávia Búrigo Gaidzinski, is now affixed to a wall in the Hall. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 30/07/2022
Nº 025-262
Title: Old manual sewing machine Description: It is part of the historical collection maintained and preserved by the Orzeł Biały Society, which includes original pieces that were part of the daily life of families in the region. Each of these pieces tells us a story of work and, therefore, constitutes a material testimony of the journey and life of Polish immigrants and their descendants. Together, they form a memorial that celebrates the legacy left by those who built their lives in Linha Batista. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 30/07/2022
Nº 025-223
Title: Orzeł Biały Polish Folkloric Group Description: These framed displays contain a collection of photographs of old performances by the Orzeł Biały Polish Folkloric Group. The images document the dance group`s history and show its members in various performances, wearing different traditional Polish costumes, which highlights the cultural richness of the Orzeł Biały Society. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 30/07/2022
Nº 025-260
Title: Orzeł Biały Polish Folkloric Group Description: Records after the performance at the 14th FESTFOLK at Vila Germânica in Blumenau. Local: Blumenau, Brazil Date of Registration: 23/04/022
Nº 025-155
Title: Celebration in honor of St. Casimir Description: In March, traditionally close to the 4th, the date of the saint`s death (1458), the patron saint of Poland, the community of Linha Batista gathers for the Mass in honor of St. Casimir, a festive celebration whose initial rite begins with the translation of the patron`s image in a procession, departing from the Our Lady of Fátima Community, in Içara, Brazil, to the St. Casimir Church. In the image, in the external area of the church, the community, including Father Jadilson Tasca, liturgical ministers, godparents and other faithful, await the arrival of the motorcade. A scene that repeats itself every year and that reflects the emotion and faith of the participants, who preserve the inherited symbols. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 05/03/2023
Nº 025-321
Title: The ice-breaking ceremony Description: During the Polish Traditional Lunch (Dzień Polski), held in the parish hall of St. Casimir`s Church, one of the most emblematic moments is the symbolic ceremony of breaking the ice to reach a bottle of vodka. This ritual expresses the community`s unity and vitality, serving as a metaphor for overcoming obstacles and preserving traditions. Filled with joy, humor, and energy, the act engages the enthusiastic participation of the attendees and the Orzeł Biały Polish Folkloric Group in traditional costumes, revealing the collective strength that sustains Polish cultural heritage. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 15/12/2023
Nº 025-425
Title: Orzeł Biały Polish Folkloric Group Description: Sunday rehearsal. Every Sunday at 5:30 p.m., the group gathers to rehearse its dance repertoire, a way to ensure both performance and the quality of the presentations. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 10/04/2022
Nº 025-116
Title: Testimonies of the polish pioneers Description: The image shows the first page of a questionnaire used in a historical-sociological research conducted in 1979, preserved at the Pedro Milanez Municipal Historical Archive, part of the Criciúma Cultural Foundation. The document is of significant historical value, as it records interviews with children and grandchildren of pioneer immigrants, such as Edmundo Formanski, a resident of Linha Cabral, addressing various aspects of the settlers` lives. These accounts consistently reveal the deep religiosity that characterized the first Polish immigrants and how this tradition continues to this day, albeit with some transformations. The narratives provide detailed information about the early years in the region, allowing the community and researchers to better understand the realities faced by the pioneers and the context of Polish colonization in southern Santa Catarina. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 04/11/1979
Nº 025-445
Title: Orzeł Biały Polish Folkloric Group Description: Performance at the 14th FESTFOLK at Vila Germânica in Blumenau. Kaszubską costume. Local: Blumenau, Brazil Date of Registration: 24/04/022
Nº 025-136
Title:Gołąpki Description: Polish stuffed cabbage rolls filled with ground meat and rice, served at the Traditional Polish Lunch – Dzień Polski (Day of Poland), held in the parish hall of St. Casimir`s Church. Prepared by the Polish community of Linha Batista, this dish pays tribute to the rich culinary tradition of Poland. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 27/08/2023
Nº 025-412
Title: Coat of arms of Poland Description: The eagle (in Polish Orzeł Biały) is the main reference. Wood carving, work by Tito Vieira. Donated by Orlando Mafinski. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 10/04/2022
Nº 025-103
Title: Orzeł Biały Polish Folkloric Group Description: Presentation during the 2nd Cultural Night held at the Orzeł Biały Social Headquarters. Krakowiak costume. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 02/07/2022
Nº 025-195
Title: Orzeł Biały Polish Folkloric Group Description: Moments before the performance at the 14th FESTFOLK at Vila Germânica in Blumenau. Local: Blumenau, Brazil Date of Registration: 23/04/022
Nº 025-146
Title: The beauty and strength of polish dance Description: During the Almoço Típico Polonês – Dzień Polski (Polish Day), the image captures the essence of Polish folk dance. The dancers, wearing the vibrant Rzeszów costume, display the elegance, expressiveness, and vigor characteristic of these performances. In this scene, the focus is on their movement and energy, as they spin, opening their skirts and creating a striking visual spectacle. The choreography`s dynamism reflects the joy and vitality of the tradition. In this way, the dance stands as a living expression of the Polish community`s identity in Linha Batista, conveying their cultural heritage with enthusiasm and strength. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 27/08/2023
Nº 025-402
Title: Old ceramic jug Description: It is part of the historical collection maintained and preserved by the Orzeł Biały Society, which includes original pieces that were part of the daily life of families in the region. Each of these pieces tells us a story of work and, therefore, constitutes a material testimony of the journey and life of Polish immigrants and their descendants. Together, they form a memorial that celebrates the legacy left by those who built their lives in Linha Batista. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 30/07/2022
Nº 025-225
Title: Orzeł Biały Polish Folkloric Group Description: Sunday rehearsal. Every Sunday at 5:30 p.m., the group gathers to rehearse its dance repertoire, a way to ensure both performance and the quality of the presentations. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 10/04/2022
Nº 025-113
Title: Old metal document tube Description: Old cylindrical metal tube, used to store and carry documents, maps, or important papers, keeping them protected from damage and moisture. It is part of the historical collection maintained and preserved by the Orzeł Biały Society, which includes original pieces that were part of the daily life of families in the region. Each of these pieces tells us a story of work and, therefore, constitutes a material testimony of the journey and life of Polish immigrants and their descendants. Together, they form a memorial that celebrates the legacy left by those who built their lives in Linha Batista. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 30/07/2022
Nº 025-246
Title: Cultural collection of the Orzeł Biały Society Description: Among the spaces at the Orzeł Biały Society Headquarters, there is a reserved area that features a diverse literary collection. The collection includes books by local writers and a vast selection of works in the Polish language, covering various areas such as children`s literature, folklore, poetry, novels, and more. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 03/09/2022
Nº 025-284
Title: The bucolic landscape Description: The landscape of Linha Batista brings together the community in tune with the rhythm of the countryside and the natural beauty that surrounds it. It is a bucolic setting, marked by tranquility, closeness to nature, and the simplicity of rural life. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 03/09/2022
Nº 025-289
Title: Polish folk dance in cultural spaces Description: The Polish Folkloric Group Orzeł Biały brings the richness of its traditions to different cultural venues, such as the performance at the Cultural Space of Criciúma Shopping. In the images, the members wear the Rzeszów costume, distinguished by its elaborate embroidery that reflects peasant traditions and an appreciation for ornamental designs. The dances, full of energy and joy, captivate audiences while promoting and preserving Polish cultural heritage. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 22/07/2023
Nº 025-333
Title: Entrance procession of the Mass in honor of St. Casimir Description: After the translation of the patron saint`s image, the Mass in honor of St. Casimir begins its opening rite inside the church with the entrance procession. The images capture the procession of the godparents, liturgical ministers, altar servers, and other members of the community. This moment, which includes the image of the patron saint, marks the start of the celebration and highlights the community`s strong connection to the faith and cultural heritage of their Polish ancestors. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 05/03/2023
Nº 025-322
Title: Memories, gifts, and trophies Description: Collection of the Orzeł Biały Society. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 30/07/2022
Nº 025-232
Title: Orzeł Biały Polish Folkloric Group Description: The Orzeł Biały Polish Folkloric Group performs the Suita Kaszubska during the Polish Gastronomy Festival, held in the social hall of St. Casimir`s Church. In the image, wearing the Kaszubian costume, the dancer`s expressiveness stands out in every gesture as she interprets the dance movements. Her performance celebrates the cultural identity of the community with sensitivity, creating an important link between the past and the present through the art of dance. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 04/09/2022
Nº 025-306
Title: Old ceramic jug Description: It is part of the historical collection maintained and preserved by the Orzeł Biały Society, which includes original pieces that were part of the daily life of families in the region. Each of these pieces tells us a story of work and, therefore, constitutes a material testimony of the journey and life of Polish immigrants and their descendants. Together, they form a memorial that celebrates the legacy left by those who built their lives in Linha Batista. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 30/07/2022
Nº 025-226
Title: Faith and memory Description: The cross rises toward the sky, a symbol of faith and reverence that marks the resting place of those who helped build the history of the Polish community in Linha Batista. It is a silent testimony to the strong bond between faith and traditions that are preserved in this space of memory. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 30/07/2022
Nº 025-211
Title: Cemetery of Linha Batista Description: Located at the back of Saint Casimir`s Church, the Cemetery of Linha Batista is a place of reverence and memory, where members of the community`s families, mostly descendants of Poles, rest. It is a testament to history and a symbolic element in cultural preservation. Each burial vault, with its characteristics, reflects the traditions and faith of those who contributed to the formation of the Polish identity in the region. The cemetery thus serves as a link between generations, uniting the community`s past and present. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 30/07/2022
Nº 025-206
Title: Orzeł Biały Polish Folkloric Group Description: In the image, different moments of the Orzeł Biały Polish Folkloric Group are shown during the performance of the dance Suita Kaszubska at the Polish Gastronomy Festival, held in the social hall of St. Casimir`s Church. The members, wearing the Kaszubian costume, display a remarkable expressiveness in their gestures and movements. Every step and every expression conveys the emotion and strength of the Polish cultural heritage, transforming the performance into a living and dynamic link between the past and present of the community. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 04/09/2022
Nº 025-311
Title: Mass in honor of Our Lady of Częstochowa Description: Records of the Mass in honor of Our Lady of Częstochowa at Saint Casimir`s Church. The images show Father Jadilson Tasca at the altar celebrating the mass, and community members, some of them in traditional Polish costumes, in addition to the image of the saint. The union between religious faith and Polish culture is evidenced, demonstrating the importance of the event for the Linha Batista community. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 27/08/2022
Nº 025-270
Title: Old straw sieve Description: This sieve, artisanally made from a weave of straw or natural fiber, was an essential utensil in daily life. Used to sift and separate cereals and grains, the piece demonstrates the manual skill of families and their use of the resources available in nature for work and sustenance. It is part of the historical collection maintained and preserved by the Orzeł Biały Society, which includes original pieces that were part of the daily life of families in the region. Each of these pieces tells us a story of work and, therefore, constitutes a material testimony of the journey and life of Polish immigrants and their descendants. Together, they form a memorial that celebrates the legacy left by those who built their lives in Linha Batista. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 30/07/2022
Nº 025-251
Title: Statute of the Orzeł Biały Polish FolkloricGroup Description: The image shows the first page of the original statute of the Polish Folkloric Group Orzeł Biały, from Linha Batista. The document, marked by the passage of time, bears in its upper left corner the coat of arms of Poland, the Orzeł Biały (White Eagle), a symbol of national identity and pride. Initially dated September 11, 1975, the statute records the foundation of the group and outlines its objectives, which include fostering an appreciation for Polish folk singing, music, and dance, promoting Polish culture through artistic performances, and collaborating with educational initiatives. The final page, signed in Linha Batista on September 11, 1981, contains the names of the founding board members: Alberto Rzatki, president; Wadisuavo Milak, vice-president; Izabel Bartociaki, first secretary; Adenir Milak, second secretary; Tadeus Studzinski, first treasurer; and Woimir Milak, second secretary. Preserved in the Pedro Milanez Municipal Historical Archive of the Criciúma Cultural Foundation, this statute remains a testimony to the community`s dedication to keeping alive the cultural heritage of its Polish ancestors. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 11/09/1981
Nº 025-440
Title: Orzeł Biały Polish Folkloric Group Description: Moments before the performance at the 14th FESTFOLK at Vila Germânica in Blumenau. Local: Blumenau, Brazil Date of Registration: 23/04/022
Nº 025-153
Title: Old family and community photos Description: Collection of the Orzeł Biały Society. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 30/07/2022
Nº 025-231
Title: Hall of the Orzeł Biały Society Description: Perspective of the great hall of the Orzeł Biały Society. In the background, the main entrance door is visible. The left side reveals access to the other spaces that make up the hall. The spacious area, with its exposed brick walls, highlights the arrangement for events and presentations. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 30/07/2022
Nº 025-265
Title: Making Pierogi Description: Generally, the execution of this activity transcends the simple preparation of a dish: it represents an act of maintaining culture and identity, reinforcing the group`s cohesion and transmitting traditional knowledge in a practical and communal way.
In the image, the production of the dough is shown. The dough is worked on large surfaces and stretched with the help of appropriate equipment. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 04/06/2022
Nº 025-176
Title: Orzeł Biały Polish Folkloric Group Description: Moments before the performance at the 14th FESTFOLK at Vila Germânica in Blumenau. Local: Blumenau, Brazil Date of Registration: 23/04/022
Nº 025-151
Title: Orzeł Biały Polish Folkloric Group Description: Performance at the 14th FESTFOLK at Vila Germânica in Blumenau. Kaszubską costume. Local: Blumenau, Brazil Date of Registration: 24/04/022
Nº 025-131
Title: Orzeł Biały Polish Folkloric Group Description: Performance at the 14th FESTFOLK at Vila Germânica in Blumenau. Krakowiak costume. Local: Blumenau, Brazil Date of Registration: 23/04/022
Nº 025-166
Title: Old appliance for corking bottles Description: This old and robust appliance, made of metal and wood, was used to manually cork bottles, supported on a table or counter. The piece is reminiscent of the daily tools of immigrant families, who bottled their own beverages in an artisanal way, ensuring their preservation. It is part of the historical collection maintained and preserved by the Orzeł Biały Society, which includes original pieces that were part of the daily life of families in the region. Each of these pieces tells us a story of work and, therefore, constitutes a material testimony of the journey and life of Polish immigrants and their descendants. Together, they form a memorial that celebrates the legacy left by those who built their lives in Linha Batista. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 30/07/2022
Nº 025-237
Title: Orzeł Biały Polish Folkloric Group Description: Performance at the 14th FESTFOLK at Vila Germânica in Blumenau. Kaszubską costume. Local: Blumenau, Brazil Date of Registration: 24/04/022
Nº 025-123
Title: Old wooden cradle Description: It is part of the historical collection maintained and preserved by the Orzeł Biały Society, which includes original pieces that were part of the daily life of families in the region. Each of these pieces tells us a story of work and, therefore, constitutes a material testimony of the journey and life of Polish immigrants and their descendants. Together, they form a memorial that celebrates the legacy left by those who built their lives in Linha Batista. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 30/07/2022
Nº 025-228
Title: Mass in honor of Our Lady of Częstochowa Description: The solemn entrance marking the beginning of the Mass in honor of Our Lady of Częstochowa, celebrated at St. Casimir`s Church. The images show acolytes, members of the Orzeł Biały Polish Folkloric Group in traditional costumes and members of the community, carrying the saint and the flags of Brazil and Poland through the central aisle of the church. This gesture symbolizes the union between faith and Polish tradition. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 27/08/2022
Nº 025-269
Title: Mass in honor of Our Lady of Częstochowa Description: At the start of the Mass celebration in honor of Our Lady of Częstochowa at St. Casimir`s Church, a solemn moment is the entrance of the image of the saint, alongside the flags of Poland and Brazil. The image and the flags are carried by members of the Orzeł Biały Polish Folkloric Group, dressed in their traditional costumes. This symbolic gesture, performed by members of the group and the community, reinforces the union between the Catholic faith and the preservation of Polish cultural heritage. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 27/08/2022
Nº 025-267
Title: Cemetery of Linha Batista Description: Located at the back of Saint Casimir`s Church, the Cemetery of Linha Batista is a place of reverence and memory, where members of the community`s families, mostly descendants of Poles, rest. It is a testament to history and a symbolic element in cultural preservation. Each burial vault, with its characteristics, reflects the traditions and faith of those who contributed to the formation of the Polish identity in the region. The cemetery thus serves as a link between generations, uniting the community`s past and present. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 30/07/2022
Nº 025-209
Title: Plaque with the Poem Renascer (Reborn) Description: Plaque affixed to the entrance of the Hall, dated May 15, 1999, which contains the poem "Renascer" (Reborn), from December 28, 1990, authored by Mrs. Octávia Búrigo Gaidzinski: I want to demolish the foundations of life. / I want to be free as the wind, / A thread of memory, a seed of a dream! / Another day dawns... / My darkened eyes embrace the gaps in time. / Ancient specters abandon the rubble. / On the other side of time my soul is reborn! The plaque marks the inauguration of the place and honors the Gaidzinski family who built the building. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 30/07/2022
Nº 025-259
Title: Cultural collection of the Orzeł Biały Society Description: This book, titled "A Small Lie Is Nonsense," is one of the items that make up the Cultural Collection of the Orzeł Biały Society. It was written by Roberto Gaidzinski Bastos, businessman with Polish roots. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 03/09/2022
Nº 025-287
Title: Faith: a connection that transcends time Description: Devotion and manifestation of the faithful who, in their prayers, endorse their feeling of faith. From generation to generation, since the arrival of the pioneering colonizers, religiosity echoes in the present time: it preserves the cultural heritage and the link with those roots. The images were recorded at the Mass in Honor of Our Lady of Częstochowa, held at St. Casimir`s Church. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 27/08/2022
Nº 025-276
Title: Orzeł Biały Polish Folkloric Group Description: The Orzeł Biały Polish Folkloric Group performs the Kaszubian folk dance Suita Kaszubska during the Polish Gastronomy Festival, held in the social hall of St. Casimir`s Church. In the image, wearing the Kaszubian costume, the joy and cultural connection of the dancing couple shine through in every movement. Their performance celebrates the cultural identity of the community with sensitivity, creating an important link between the past and the present through the art of dance. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 04/09/2022
Nº 025-310
Title: Orzeł Biały Polish Folkloric Group Description: Presentation during the 2nd Cultural Night held at the Orzeł Biały Social Headquarters. Lublin costume. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 02/07/2022
Nº 025-196
Title: Orzeł Biały Polish Folkloric Group Description: Moments before the performance at the 14th FESTFOLK at Vila Germânica in Blumenau. Local: Blumenau, Brazil Date of Registration: 23/04/022
Nº 025-147
Title: Polish gastronomy festival Description: The event held in the social hall of St. Casimir`s Church celebrates the rich culinary heritage of Poland, uniting the community through traditional dishes meticulously prepared. Among the delicacies served are Gołąbki, cabbage rolls stuffed with ground meat and rice; Kiszka, a blood sausage prepared with blood, fat, offal, and grains; Szynka, roasted pork leg; and the traditional Pierogi, potato-dough dumplings filled with cheese curd, served fried or with white sauce. The buffet also offers the flavorful Bigos, stewed cabbage with Polish sausage; Mizeria, a refreshing cucumber salad with sour cream; and Chleb kukurydzy, a corn bread. All these dishes together represent the heart of Polish cuisine and are preserved by the Linha Batista community. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 04/09/2022
Nº 025-319
Title: Old carpentry and agricultural tools Description: This is a set of old work tools, essential for carpentry and agriculture. The pieces, such as the hand plane and sickles, represent the hard work and artisanal skill of the immigrants, who used them to build their homes, cultivate the land, and ensure the subsistence of their families. These objects hold the history and resilience of the community. It is part of the historical collection maintained and preserved by the Orzeł Biały Society, which includes original pieces that were part of the daily life of families in the region. Each of these pieces tells us a story of work and, therefore, constitutes a material testimony of the journey and life of Polish immigrants and their descendants. Together, they form a memorial that celebrates the legacy left by those who built their lives in Linha Batista. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 30/07/2022
Nº 025-239
Title: Orzeł Biały Polish Folkloric Group Description: The Orzeł Biały Polish Folkloric Group performs the Suita Kaszubska during the Polish Gastronomy Festival, held at the social hall of St. Casimir`s Church. In the image, the men, wearing the Kaszubską costume, conclude their presentation with a performance of movements that require great physical preparation. They celebrate the cultural identity of the community, and form an important link between the past and the present. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 04/09/2022
Nº 025-302
Title: Old buildings endure through time Description: Living symbols of the roots planted by Polish immigrants in the new land, they stand as a true testimony to the resilience and determination of those who, in building a new life, left a lasting legacy for future generations. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 03/09/2022
Nº 025-293
Title: The beauty present in the Polish tradition Description: Moments before the presentation of the Polish Folkloric Group Orzeł Biały, images that portray the beauty of the feminine reveal themselves in colorful costumes sewn and embroidered with care; making a reverence to ancestral memories and, preserving through new generations, the culture and the Polish soul in the community of Linha Batista. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 02/07/2022
Nº 025-186
Title: Prizes and trophies Description: Prizes and trophies
The successes and achievements of the Orzeł Biały Polish Folkloric Group are preserved in a space dedicated to the historical archive at the Orzeł Biały Society headquarters. Each piece is a material testament to the achievements, talent, and dedication of its members. Together, these objects represent more than just victories at festivals, but the consecration of the continuous effort to keep Polish culture alive, being a source of great pride for the entire community. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 30/07/2022
Nº 025-213
Title: Portrait of Pope John Paul II Description: This framed image of Pope John Paul II is a piece of great historical and sentimental value for the Polish community, with the Pope being one of the great icons of their nation: an important link to faith also revered by the community of Polish descendants of the Baptist Line. This piece is located on one of the walls of the Hall of the Orzeł Biały Society. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 30/07/2022
Nº 025-234
Title: Orzeł Biały Polish Folkloric Group Description: Records after the performance at the 14th FESTFOLK at Vila Germânica in Blumenau. Local: Blumenau, Brazil Date of Registration: 23/04/022
Nº 025-156
Title: Orzeł Biały Polish Folkloric Group Description: Sunday rehearsal. Every Sunday at 5:30 p.m., the group gathers to rehearse its dance repertoire, a way to ensure both performance and the quality of the presentations. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 10/04/2022
Nº 025-112
Title: Orzeł Biały Polish Folkloric Group Description: Performance at the 14th FESTFOLK at Vila Germânica in Blumenau. Kaszubską costume. Local: Blumenau, Brazil Date of Registration: 24/04/022
Nº 025-126
Title: Orzeł Biały Polish Folkloric Group Description: The Orzeł Biały Polish Folkloric Group performs the Suita Kaszubska during the Polish Gastronomy Festival, held in the social hall of St. Casimir`s Church. In the image, wearing the Kaszubian costume, the dancer`s expressiveness stands out in every gesture as he interprets the dance movements. His performance celebrates the cultural identity of the community with sensitivity, creating an important link between the past and the present through the art of dance. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 04/09/2022
Nº 025-307
Title: Seasoned curd Description: Seasoned curd with parsley, served as a side dish at the Traditional Polish Lunch – Dzień Polski (Day of Poland), held in the parish hall of St. Casimir`s Church. Prepared by the Polish community of Linha Batista, this delicacy celebrates the richness and tradition of Polish cuisine. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 27/08/2023
Nº 025-408
Title: Old pendulum clock Description: It is an imposing piece composed of a dark and elegantly carved wooden case. The dial, protected by glass, is a light tone, contrasting with the clock`s body. The central piece is the pendulum, which can be seen through a window in the lower part. It is part of the historical collection maintained and preserved by the Orzeł Biały Society, which includes original pieces that were part of the daily life of families in the region. Each of these pieces tells us a story of work and, therefore, constitutes a material testimony of the journey and life of Polish immigrants and their descendants. Together, they form a memorial that celebrates the legacy left by those who built their lives in Linha Batista. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 30/07/2022
Nº 025-244
Title: 3rd Cultural Night Description: Performance of the Polish Folkloric Group Orzeł Biały during the 3rd Cultural Night – Folklore in Motion: Polish Dance Gathering, held at the Jayme A. Zanatta Auditorium of ACIC – Associação Empresarial de Criciúma (Criciúma`s Business Association). In the image, the couples wear the Lublin costume and perform dances that highlight Polish tradition and cultural identity. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 30/11/2024
Nº 025-437
Title: Traditional clothing Description: Traditional Polish folk costumes worn by the Polish Folkloric Group Orzeł Biały. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 10/04/2022
Nº 025-101
Title: Objects with illustrations referencing Polish culture Description: Potted plants, decorative cups, brooches, and keychains, arranged on a colorful crochet tablecloth, feature illustrations that refer to Polish traditions. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 02/07/2022
Nº 025-191
Title: Orzeł Biały Polish Folkloric Group Description: Sunday rehearsal. Every Sunday at 5:30 p.m., the group gathers to rehearse its dance repertoire, a way to ensure both performance and the quality of the presentations. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 10/04/2022
Nº 025-110
Title: Main hall of the Orzeł Biały Society Description: The main hall of the Hall of the Orzeł Biały Polish Society is a multifunctional space with exposed brick walls. At the back, there is a stage framed by curtains, where the Orzeł Biały Folkloric Group performs during community events. Natural light is provided by tall casement windows above and on the sides of the hall, all with curtains. The walls are decorated with various framed displays showing photographs and documents representative of the community`s history. The center of the hall is where tables are set up during events. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 30/07/2022
Nº 025-264
Title: Orzeł Biały Polish Folkloric Group Description: Presentation during the 2nd Cultural Night held at the Orzeł Biały Social Headquarters. Krakowiak costume. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 02/07/2022
Nº 025-194
Title: Performance We Draw Through Dance at ACIC Description: The cultural exchange journey between the Orzeł Biały Polish Folkloric Group and the ZPiT Politechniki Warszawskiej (Song and Dance Ensemble of the Warsaw University of Technology) culminated in a remarkable dance performance by both groups at the Jayme A. Zanatta Auditorium of ACIC – Criciúma Business Association. After visiting several of the city`s tourist attractions, the two groups came together on stage for a show that celebrated the richness of Polish folkloric heritage. The Polish ensemble presented choreographies by the renowned director Janusz Chojecki, always accompanied by their own musical group, composed of wind instruments, accordion, violin, and double bass. The performance spanned different regions of Poland, showcasing folk dances characterized by a variety of rhythms and traditional costumes. Each presentation combined music, singing, artistic expression, and emotion, portraying everything from rural life to the romanticism inherent in Polish culture, offering the audience a vibrant and engaging experience. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 21/04/2023
Nº 025-332
Title: Orzeł Biały Polish Folkloric Group Description: Moments before the performance at the 14th FESTFOLK at Vila Germânica in Blumenau. Local: Blumenau, Brazil Date of Registration: 23/04/022
Nº 025-145
Title: Orzeł Biały Polish Folkloric Group Description: Sunday rehearsal. Every Sunday at 5:30 p.m., the group gathers to rehearse its dance repertoire, a way to ensure both performance and the quality of the presentations. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 10/04/2022
Nº 025-111
Title: Old newspaper highlights the inauguration of the Polish Cultural Center Description: Page 5 of the Jornal da Manhã of Criciúma, dated May 17, 1999, with the main title: "Polish ethnicity gains a cultural center," and the subtitle: "Cultural Center Orzeł Biały, inaugurated Saturday night in Linha Batista, is the first of the Polish ethnicity in the South of Santa Catarina." The report details the inauguration and its importance for the Polish community. The page includes a photo of the Orzeł Biały Polish Folkloric Group and of Mr. Volnei Milak, who, along with his wife, Mrs. Precedina Milak, coordinated the dance group at the time. Below his photo, Mr. Milak highlights that "the center is the realization of an old dream." The article also addresses other important matters related to the event, in addition to local advertisements and news. This newspaper page, carefully preserved by the community and affixed to one of the walls of the Hall of the Orzeł Biały Society, marks an important moment in its history. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 30/07/2022
Nº 025-257
Title: Lublin costume Description: The image highlights the beauty of the Lublin costume, worn by a member of the Orzeł Biały Group: a dress in vibrant colors, with intricate embroidery and ribbons that harmonize with the floral headpiece. Each element of the costume is preserved and celebrated with great pride. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 21/04/2023
Nº 025-329
Title: Orzeł Biały Polish Folkloric Group Description: Moments before the performance at the 14th FESTFOLK at Vila Germânica in Blumenau. Local: Blumenau, Brazil Date of Registration: 23/04/022
Nº 025-150
Title: Orzeł Biały Polish Folkloric Group Description: Scenes from the performance at the 14th FESTFOLK at Vila Germânica in Blumenau. Krakowiak costume. Local: Blumenau, Brazil Date of Registration: 23/04/022
Nº 025-169
Title:Bigos Description: Polish hunter`s stew of sautéed cabbage with smoked sausage, served at the Traditional Polish Lunch – Dzień Polski (Day of Poland), held in the parish hall of St. Casimir`s Church. Prepared by the Polish community of Linha Batista, this dish pays tribute to the rich culinary tradition of Poland. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 27/08/2023
Nº 025-413
Title: Mr. Maximiliano Casemiro Milak: roots in the land Description: A prominent figure in the community of Linha Batista, he is a living portrait of the strength and persistence of the Polish heritage. His discreet and serene presence reflects the wisdom and resilience of a community founded by immigrants who, with deep Catholic faith and hard work, have known and know how to preserve their traditions. Mr. Maximiliano personifies a part of this story, the story of a people who built their lives in the south of Santa Catarina without ever forgetting their roots. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 03/09/2022
Nº 025-290
Title: Polish musical ensemble Description: The beauty of the music performed by the members of the musical ensemble of the ZPiT Politechniki Warszawskiej Orchestra (Song and Dance Ensemble of the Warsaw University of Technology) during their visit to the Albert Einstein E=mc² Astronomical Park. Dressed in traditional costumes, the musicians convey the art, passion, and strength of Polish folk music, one of the pillars of their national culture, highlighting a moment of significant cultural value during the meeting with the Orzeł Biały Polish Folkloric Group. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 21/04/2023
Nº 025-330
Title: Orzeł Biały Polish Folkloric Group Description: Moments before the performance at the 14th FESTFOLK at Vila Germânica in Blumenau. Local: Blumenau, Brazil Date of Registration: 23/04/022
Nº 025-140
Title: Cultural exchange Description: The cultural exchange journey between the Orzeł Biały Polish Folkloric Group and the ZPiT Politechniki Warszawskiej (Song and Dance Ensemble of the Warsaw University of Technology) culminated in a magnificent dance performance at the Jayme A. Zanatta Auditorium of ACIC – the Business Association of Criciúma. After visiting several landmarks of the city, both groups came together on stage for a show that celebrated the richness of Polish folk heritage. The evening began with the performance of the Criciúma-based group, followed by the Polish ensemble`s show “We Draw Through Dance”, featuring a vibrant repertoire that highlights the traditions of different regions of Poland. The dancers and singers were accompanied by their own live orchestra, consisting of wind instruments, accordion, violin, and double bass. The choreography, created by renowned director Janusz Chojecki, offered the audience a dynamic and engaging performance. The image captures the final moment of the event, with members of both groups in their colorful and detailed traditional costumes. This joint presentation symbolized the enduring bond between Poland and the Polish-descendant community of Criciúma, reaffirming the vitality of traditions passed down from generation to generation through dance and song. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 21/04/2023
Nº 025-331
Title: Old enameled funnel Description: It is part of the historical collection maintained and preserved by the Orzeł Biały Society, which includes original pieces that were part of the daily life of families in the region. Each of these pieces tells us a story of work and, therefore, constitutes a material testimony of the journey and life of Polish immigrants and their descendants. Together, they form a memorial that celebrates the legacy left by those who built their lives in Linha Batista. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 30/07/2022
Nº 025-221
Title: Orzeł Biały Polish Folkloric Group Description: This framed display contains a collection of photographs of old performances by the Orzeł Biały Polish Folkloric Group. The images document the dance group`s history and show its members in various performances, wearing different traditional Polish costumes, which highlights the cultural richness of the Orzeł Biały Society. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 30/07/2022
Nº 025-261
Title: Old teapots and salt box Description: It is part of the historical collection maintained and preserved by the Orzeł Biały Society, which includes original pieces that were part of the daily life of families in the region. Each of these pieces tells us a story of work and, therefore, constitutes a material testimony of the journey and life of Polish immigrants and their descendants. Together, they form a memorial that celebrates the legacy left by those who built their lives in Linha Batista. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 30/07/2022
Nº 025-218
Title: Old ceramic bottles Description: It is part of the historical collection maintained and preserved by the Orzeł Biały Society, which includes original pieces that were part of the daily life of families in the region. Each of these pieces tells us a story of work and, therefore, constitutes a material testimony of the journey and life of Polish immigrants and their descendants. Together, they form a memorial that celebrates the legacy left by those who built their lives in Linha Batista. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 30/07/2022
Nº 025-224
Title: Polish Gastronomy Festival Description: The Polish culinary tradition comes to life through the hands of ladies from the Linha Batista community, who, on the eve of the Polish Gastronomy Festival, gather to prepare the iconic Gołąpki. This dish, which retains the soul of Polish cuisine, consists of elaborating cabbage rolls stuffed with ground meat and rice. This collective work behind the scenes shows the commitment and care in preserving the heritage of the ancestors, ensuring that the taste of tradition is faithfully passed on to each new generation. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 03/09/2022
Nº 025-280
Title: Orzeł Biały Polish Folkloric Group Description: Performance at the 14th FESTFOLK at Vila Germânica in Blumenau. Krakowiak costume. Local: Blumenau, Brazil Date of Registration: 23/04/022
Nº 025-165
Title: Orzeł Biały Polish Folkloric Group Description: Performance at the 14th FESTFOLK at Vila Germânica in Blumenau. Kaszubską costume. Local: Blumenau, Brazil Date of Registration: 24/04/022
Nº 025-120
Title: Orzeł Biały Polish Folkloric Group Description: Sunday rehearsal. Every Sunday at 5:30 p.m., the group gathers to rehearse its dance repertoire, a way to ensure both performance and the quality of the presentations. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 10/04/2022
Nº 025-117
Title:Opłatek: the Polish ceremony of sharing bread Description:Opłatek, the Polish ceremony of sharing bread, is one of the most emblematic moments of the Christmas season, rich in religious and communal symbolism. It represents unity, forgiveness, and fraternity, preserving a tradition passed down through generations. The celebration begins with a welcome. Amid greetings and introductions, the meaning of Opłatek and the Christmas Eve Supper in Polish tradition is explained — a solemn night marked by closeness, love, and fellowship. The signal to begin is the appearance of the first star in the sky, recalling the Star of Bethlehem that announced the birth of Jesus. The table is prepared with straw, a white cloth, and a plate with the blessed Opłatek, symbolizing Jesus in the manger. According to tradition, twelve dishes are served, without meat or alcoholic beverages. A child is invited to light the candle, and the Orzeł Biały Choir sings the Christmas carol Dzisiaj w Betlejem (“Today in Bethlehem”), celebrating the birth of Christ. This is followed by the Penitential Act, the Liturgy of the Word, and a Moment of Prayer. The highlight is the sharing of the Opłatek, which in Polish tradition uniquely expresses a sense of unity and solidarity. Each participant offers and receives a piece, accompanied by wishes for peace, health, and prosperity, reinforcing bonds of closeness and belonging. The rite concludes with the gastronomic part — a moment of fellowship around the Christmas dishes. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 15/12/2023
Nº 025-415
Title: Polish folk dance in cultural spaces Description: The Orzeł Biały Polish Folkloric Group brings the richness of its traditions to different cultural spaces, such as in the presentation held at the Criciúma Shopping Cultural Space. In the images, the members wear the Rzeszów Traje, characterized by elaborate embroidery that reflects the peasant tradition and the appreciation for ornamental forms. The dances, full of energy and joy, enchant the public while disseminating and preserving the Polish cultural heritage. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 22/07/2023
Nº 025-334
Title: Orzeł Biały Polish Folkloric Group Description: Sunday rehearsal. Every Sunday at 5:30 p.m., the group gathers to rehearse its dance repertoire, a way to ensure both performance and the quality of the presentations. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 10/04/2022
Nº 025-114
Title: Old rope made of vine Description: Made from a specially treated strip of vine to become pliable. A curing technique was used to soften the natural fiber, allowing it to be braided into a resistant loop. Essential during the pioneer era, it was used to lead animals like oxen and horses in farm work and transportation, demonstrating the ingenuity and adaptation of families to the resources available in nature. It is part of the historical collection maintained and preserved by the Orzeł Biały Society, which includes original pieces that were part of the daily life of families in the region. Each of these pieces tells us a story of work and, therefore, constitutes a material testimony of the journey and life of Polish immigrants and their descendants. Together, they form a memorial that celebrates the legacy left by those who built their lives in Linha Batista. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 30/07/2022
Nº 025-248
Title: Cultural exchange Description: During their visit to Criciúma, the ZPiT Politechniki Warszawskiej (Song and Dance Ensemble of the Warsaw University of Technology) explored local sites that reveal the region`s history. The image shows the group alongside members of the Orzeł Biały Polish Folkloric Group inside the “Octávio Fontana” Visitor Mine, the only coal mine in Latin America open to public visits. This moment of integration and cultural exchange highlights the connection between the history of Polish immigration and the mining heritage that helped shape the Criciúma region. Local: Criciúma, Brazil Date of Registration: 21/04/2023
Nº 025-327
Title: Orzeł Biały Polish Folkloric Group Description: Performance at the 14th FESTFOLK at Vila Germânica in Blumenau. Krakowiak costume. Local: Blumenau, Brazil Date of Registration: 23/04/022
