 Vilamovians in national costumes, Wilamowice, Poland | |
| Regions with significant populations | |
|---|---|
 Poland (Bielsko County, Silesian Voivodeship) | |
| Languages | |
| Wymysorys, Polish | |
| Religion | |
| Roman Catholic[citation needed] | |
| Related ethnic groups | |
| Flemings, Germans, Scots, Poles, Silesians |
Vilamovians[a] are a Germanic-speaking ethnic group in Poland, living in the town of Wilamowice near Bielsko-Biała, who speak the Wymysorys language and maintain their own folk costumes and traditions.[1]
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Main article: Wymysorys language § History |
During the Mongol invasion of Europe, the area was left depopulated and was subsequently settled by German, Scottish and Flemish settlers. Over time the Flemish and Scottish settlers in the region were assimilated, with the exception of Wilamowice.[2] Vilamovians' traditions say they are descendants of immigrants from Flanders.[3][2]
After World War II, Vilamovians were harshly persecuted in Communist Poland, since they were regarded as Germans. Their language and costumes were banned in 1946. Some of them were moved to "Recovered Territories".[2] A considerable number of representatives of this group live in Austria.[4]
As of 2018[update] about 300 people in the community could understand the Wymysorys language and approximately 60 people had the ability to speak it.[2]