The “Christmas Eve with Smoleń” event began on Saturday in the heart of Poznań with the traditional breaking of the wafer. A large crowd of residents gathered at the square between Rybaki and Strzałowa Streets, near the Bohdan Smoleń monument. Attendees enjoyed warm meals and carol singing together.
The “Christmas Eve with Smoleń” events are organized in mid-December in Poznań to coincide with the anniversary of the death of Bohdan Smoleń, a celebrated comedian, actor, and philanthropist. Longtime collaborator and friend of Smoleń, Krzysztof Deszczyński, who also initiated the event, explained its purpose on Saturday:
The idea behind this event is to help those in need and bring people together during the pre-Christmas season. It’s a chance to connect with neighbors, sing carols, and share a warm meal in a spirit of camaraderie and kindness.
Carols and Warm Meals
This year marked the fourth edition of the “Christmas Eve with Smoleń” event. Deszczyński emphasized that it has become a cherished pre-Christmas tradition in the city and district, with growing attendance each year. Saturday’s gathering began with the symbolic breaking of the wafer, distributed by the Sisters of St. Elizabeth, who operate a nearby soup kitchen for the needy.
This place truly unites many hearts—not just the poor and homeless but also people of goodwill. We remember Bohdan Smoleń not only as someone who made us laugh but also as a man with a heart wide open to those in need, always ready to help, said Sister Józefa.
Participants were treated to a variety of dishes, including beet soup with dumplings, bread with lard and pickles, coffee, and tea. The Poznań Food Industry School offered bigos and bread, while School No. 1 in Swarzędz served cabbage and noodles. Local restaurants and associations also contributed to the meal preparations. Children received gifts as part of the festivities.
Father Karol Maciejak, Director of Caritas for the Archdiocese of Poznań, extended holiday greetings to the crowd, noting:
The coming of the Son of God brought hope for salvation to the world, and we express this joy every time we celebrate Christmas.
He added:
I am delighted and congratulate the organizers for once again making this gathering possible, allowing the joy of Christmas to flow early. Let this be a time of overflowing joy for all.
Poznań Deputy Mayor Jędrzej Solarski, who also attended the event, wished everyone well, urging:
Be like Bohdan Smoleń—despite life’s challenges, keep moving forward. Above all, look at others and share kindness with them.
Remembering Bohdan Smoleń
Bohdan Smoleń was born on June 9, 1947, in Bielsko and passed away on December 15, 2016, in Poznań. He had deep ties to the city of Poznań throughout his life. In 2021, a monument was erected in his honor. The statue depicts Bohdan Smoleń seated at a café table, with a second chair left empty, inviting visitors to join him.