ywieccy

Żywieccy is a Polish demonym and ethnonym used for people from Żywiec and the surrounding Żywiec Basin (Kotlina Żywiecka) in southern Poland. The term denotes residents of the town and its historic region, and appears in linguistic, cultural, and historical writing about the area.

Geography and scope: The Żywiec region lies in southern Poland and is currently part of the Silesian Voivodeship. Its core is the town of Żywiec and the Kotlina Żywiecka, a lowland area framed by nearby Carpathian foothills. The landscape is known for its scenic valleys and access to mountainous terrain, contributing to local culture and tourism.

History: In the medieval and early modern periods, Żywiec and its environs were part of the Polish Kingdom within Lesser Poland (Małopolska). In the modern administrative reform of 1999, the area became part of the Silesian Voivodeship, after previously belonging to other regional attributions in the 20th century.

Culture and economy: The region has a distinct cultural tradition associated with Polish highlanders and local folk customs, with Polish as the dominant language and regional dialect influences from nearby areas. The economy centers on agriculture and small industry, complemented by tourism. A notable landmark is the Żywiec Brewery, one of Poland’s best-known breweries, whose products have a long-standing association with the town and its identity.

See also: Żywiec.