WHAT'S ON? Events in Warsaw
July 2010
Warsaw can rival any major city on this planet when it comes to an events lineup. Here you'll find everything from the grandiose to the intimate. With the national spotlight on this capital city, it's no wonder big stars and up-and-comers alike make their way here for a piece of the action. You might feel a bit overwhelmed at first, but we'll help you make sense of it all.
Courtesy of http://www.warsaw-life.com/
Cultural Events
Several commemorative events take place every year. Gatherings of thousands of people on the banks of the Vistula on Midsummer's Night for a festival called Wianki (Polish for Wreaths) have become a tradition and a yearly event in the programme of cultural events in Warsaw. The festival traces its roots to a peaceful pagan ritual where maidens would float their wreaths of herbs on the water to predict when they would be married, and to whom. By the 19th century this tradition had become a festive event, and it continues today.
A popular event is the prestigious Warsaw Film Festival, an annual festival that takes place every October. Films are usually screened in their original language with Polish subtitles and participating cinemas include Kinoteka (Palace of Science and Culture), Palladium and Luna. Over 100 films are shown throughout the festival, and awards are given to the best and most popular films.
Street Art Festival
As Shakespeare said, all the world's a stage - particularly Warsaw at the start of July! For five days, the Street Art Festival will take over the public spaces of the city with theatre, circus, and dance troupes as well as installation artists taking to the streets. Look for performances at the New Town Market Square, the Royal Castle Square in the Old Town, in front of the Palace of Culture and Science, and in Swietokrzyksi and Agrykola parks - to name just a few! Look for details at the link below.
when - 2 - 6 July
where - Across Warsaw
more info - click here
Jazz on the Old Town
One of Warsaw's most popular festivals is the Jazz on the Old Town, an event which imports musicians from across the globe to perform on the historic Market Square. Thousands of jazz fans of all ages gather on the square every Sunday in July and August - and the best part? It's all free!
when - 3 July - 28 August
where - Old Town Market Square
more info - click here
EuroPride
Celebrating European LGBT pride and promoting freedom and equality is the 17th edition of Europride, this year taking place here in Warsaw. This edition is the first time Europride has been held in an Eastern European city - a place where the rights of gays and lesbians is still a hard fight. It was not long ago that the city's mayor, then Lech Kaczynski, banned local gay pride parades in 2004 and 2005. This year, Europride will feature ten days of cultural meetings and plenty of parties and fun - the highlight of which is the main parade, of course! Head to the official website for full details.
when - 9 - 18 July
where - Across Warsaw
more info - click here