The picturesque city of Kielce and the nearby Ethnographic Park in Tokarnia hosted the second edition of the Nationwide Folk Culture Festival this weekend, June 17th-18th. This event, organized in collaboration with the National Center for Culture and financially supported by the Minister of Culture and National Heritage, the honorary patron of the festival, showcased the best folk creators and artists from all over Poland.
The annual celebration of folk culture in Kielce on Saturday started with a colorful procession marching along the city’s main promenade, leading to the Artists’ Square. There, the Świętokrzyski Artists performed a concert for the guests, and regional artists were honored with awards.
On Sunday, June 18th, at the Ethnographic Park of the Kielce Village Museum in Tokarnia, the finest Polish folk musicians took the stage, along with special guests from the Budapest Operetta. The program featured Hungarian dances and music. During the gala concert, the winners of this year’s edition of the festival, awarded by the Minister of Culture and National Heritage, Professor Piotr Gliński, were announced. The event was hosted by Magdalena Sitek, a journalist from Polskie Radio Kielce, and the beloved actor Piotr Pręgowski, known for his role as Pietrek in the cult TV series “Ranczo.”
The artistic performances were accompanied by a fair and an exhibition of artistic craftsmanship. Enthusiasts of folk art had the opportunity to admire the creations of the best folk artists in the country. Attendees could also indulge in regional delicacies, including traditional roasted suckling pig prepared according to time-honored recipes, and other culinary delights. Additionally, there was communal singing and dancing, creating an atmosphere of joy and celebration.
The Nationwide Folk Culture Festival was a vibrant and culturally enriching experience. It showcased the diversity and richness of Poland’s folk traditions and provided a platform for talented artists to display their skills and creativity. The event’s combination of artistic performances, exhibitions, traditional cuisine, and communal activities created an unforgettable weekend, celebrating the beauty and heritage of folk culture in Poland.