Walk the Zapora Trail: Bełżyce to Wąwolnica

22 April 2026 Poland Radar 0 Comments

Join the 13th Zapora Rally from Bełżyce to Wąwolnica and explore anti-communist history on a family-friendly 22km route.

The 13th annual Zapora Rally will set off from Bełżyce to Wąwolnica this spring. Organisers expect a record turnout and a full day of history, community and outdoor activity.

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Zapora Rally route and programme

The march starts at 09:00 in the Park Miejski in Bełżyce. Moreover, the park hosts a monument to Major Hieronim Dekutowski that the town unveiled two years ago. The full route covers about 22 km, and organisers spread it across the day. Consequently, even young children can keep pace with the group. In addition, co-organisers include neighbouring communes Wojciechów and Wąwolnica. Furthermore, the Grupa Historyczna “Zgrupowanie Radosław” will join to stage living-history moments.

What participants will see

Firstly, the route passes several memorial sites tied to post-war resistance. Moreover, a short historical quiz will test knowledge along the way. Secondly, the programme includes a picnic near the Wieża Ariańska in Wojciechów. Then the day will feature a bonfire and refreshments for participants. Finally, the march finishes in Wąwolnica, where locals welcome visitors with hospitality.

Weekend ceremonies and reenactment

On Sunday at 10:30, organisers will hold a mass for the marchers and families. Then at noon, volunteers will stage the capture of the MO (Milicja Obywatelska) post on the Bełżyce market square. Consequently, visitors will watch a short, scripted reenactment of a historical event. Moreover, media patron lublin112.pl will cover the day for local audiences. Therefore, expect photographers and local reporters around the route.

Why the march matters

Hieronim Dekutowski, known as “Zapora,” led anti-communist units after World War II. However, the communist regime later arrested and executed him. Consequently, commemorations like this march help communities preserve local memory. Moreover, such events shape regional identity and teach history outside classrooms. In addition, they offer a civic moment for intergenerational conversation about Poland’s twentieth century.

💡 GOOD TO KNOW: If you plan to join, bring sturdy shoes and a refillable water bottle. In addition, check whether organisers require registration or a small fee. Public transport links from Lublin run to Bełżyce, but schedules vary on weekends. Moreover, respect local customs at memorials and follow any guidance from reenactors. For practical matters, note that Polish services use identifiers like PESEL (national ID number). Also, healthcare falls under NFZ (public health insurer) and social benefits go through ZUS (social insurance). Finally, if an event volunteer asks for ID, you can show a passport; avoid arguing with police or marshals to prevent a mandat (fine).

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