Living Cultural Heritage
Zapust
Since the late 19th century, a festive youth parade accompanied by musicians has taken place in Lower Lusatia, typically on a Saturday or Sunday following Camprowanje. The girls wear their traditional dancing costumes, while the young men wear black suits and hats. A Zapust bouquet made of paper flowers adorns the hat or lapel. After an initial dance in the village hall and a group photo of all participating couples, the parade processes through the village visiting residents such as the mayor, the pastor, and other distinguished citizens. A round of dancing takes place in each courtyard and a Zapust bouquet is presented to the owner of the home. In return, the participants receive a small snack or a donation to the Shrovetide fund. The parade concludes in the evening with the Shrovetide dance, to which all residents are invited.
This is living cultural heritage that is characterised by its dynamism. This means that it changes, adapts and evolves in its practice and transmission over generations. This is how it is passed on and remains alive. It can be seen, for example, when the Zapust is held without a parade and consists only of the dance.
