With the great migration of peoples in the 6th century, various Slavic tribes settled between Oder/Neisse (Wódra/Nysa) and Saale/Elbe (Solawa/Łóbjo), between Erzgebirge (Rudne horiny) and Baltic Sea (Baltiske morjo). Among these West Slavic tribes were the Milzener (Milčenjo) and Lusizer (Łužičenjo) in today's Upper and Lower Lusatia (Hornja a Delnja Łužica), as whose descendants the Sorbs consider themselves.
The Sorbs call themselves "Serbja" in Upper Lusatia (Hornja Łužica) and "Serby" in Lower Lusatia (Delnja Łužica). In German-language proper names, the term "Wenden" is used in addition to the term "Sorben". Both terms go back to the Latin terms "Sorabi" and "Veneti".
The culture and history of Upper Lusatia are particularly connected with the Sorbs. This smallest Slavic people has preserved its language and customs in a German environment until today. Thus, public signs in the Sorbian-speaking settlement area are bilingual. Especially the custom of Easter riding (Křižerjo) has become an event of supraregional interest.
In the municipality of Nebelschütz, numerous institutions, associations and individuals strive to preserve and spread Sorbian cultural heritage. One of the highlights, besides the numerous church customs, is the International Community Festival (Mjezynarodny gmejnski swjedźeń).
More information about the surrounding area can be found at www.kamenz.de/ and also at www.bautzenerleben.de/.
