Festivals and Events in Poland

Wianki - Festival in Krakow

 

Traveling through Poland you will notice Polish people love to gather together and enjoy warm weather at countless festivals and events.  There are thousands of them each year.  Point out a few of them. 

 

 

 One of the main characteristics of Polish sociaty is that it is just THAT - Polish people are highly social.  Some events happen exactly on the same date and others may vary.  If you plan to be in Poland and would like to be part of an event I would suggest you doubble check the exact date of the year in which you visit.

 

 

Festivals & Events part I

 

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  • Krakowskie Wianki (Wreaths) - Krakow: Each year during Summer Solstice people in Poland celebrate love, water and fire hoping for prosperity.  After Poland adopted Christianity the name for this event was changed from "Kupala Night" to "Sobutka" or "St. John's Night" ( Noc Swietojanska).  It remains to this day as a folk ritual.  Krakow seems to have the most spectacular night with freshly made wreaths by girls, young ladies and women.  The wreaths are lit up with little candles and then sent down the Vistula river.  Multiple concerts are in place as well as activities for children including fireworks.  Make sure to be in Krakow on the 23rd-24th of June if you don't want to miss this event. 

 

  • Festival of Good Beer - Wroclaw:  The Craft Beer Festival in Wroclaw is a three-day event in the second weekend of May. This is the place to be for all the beer lovers while visiting Poland.  This event has exhibitors from Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, Czech Republic, Germany and Great Britain.  A perfect opportunity to enjoy sunny weather while gathering outdoors to try some beer and socialize.  Because of ever growing number of participants the festival was moved to the Municipal Stadium.  What else will be there besides delicious crafted beer? Live music, food, exhibitions, competitions, a product fair and even a table football zone.  Sound like a lot of fun, doesn't it? 

 

  • Cracovia Marathon & Night Run with Wawel: One of Poland's biggest events happens at the end of April.  Both a fun run and marathon guides runners on a journey past many historical monuments in beautiful Krakow.  This event brings participants from all over the world.  To date the marathon has brought people from 55 countries.  Every year the number of participants climbs higher.  This past year the run had 5,756 participants of which 5,614 got to the finish line.  Here is where you can get more info on this topic in case you want to prepare for the next marathon.

 

  • Polish Pottery Festival - Boleslawiec:  This two day festival is organized in the second half of August and is located in the capital of Polish pottery - Boleslawiec.  The event provides activities for adults and children alike.  You can expect concerts, ceramic workshops, carnavals and countless stands with beautiful pieces of pottery.  People from Poland and from all over the world take part in the festivities.