The custom, practiced in Sławatycze near the Bug River in Poland's Lubelskie province, is a form of New Year's caroling whose origins remain unclear.
During the final days of the year, a group of costumed carolers takes to the streets, greeting residents, visiting private homes and stopping passersby and drivers, who typically offer small donations in exchange for good wishes for the coming year.
The Bearded Men wear carved bearded masks, heavy fur coats, straw footwear and tall hats decorated with ribbons and flowers.
The figures are a distinctive element of local carnival folklore and reflect the region's multicultural past, when the area was home to Poles, Ukrainians, Jews and Dutch settlers from Pomerania.
Moving freely through the village, the performers engage playfully with onlookers, chasing children and interacting with residents amid loud shouts meant to drive away misfortune from the departing year and usher in good luck for the new one.
A typical Bearded Man carries a long stick and wears an artificial hump, symbols associated with old age. The stick is used theatrically during the procession and is believed to bring good fortune.
The tradition has been added to Poland's national list of intangible cultural heritage.
(ab/gs)
Click on the audio player above for a report by Agnieszka Bielawska.