Northern Poland is a region with a rich and diverse folk culture, the most beautiful face of which we can admire during two unique festivals: the Kashubian Encounters with World Folklore and the Sielava Folk Festival.

The Kashubian Encounters with the Folklore of the World, held in the picturesque town of Wiele, is a real gem among Polish folklore festivals. The history of the event dates back to the 1990s, when local cultural activists decided to create a platform for the exchange of traditions between Kashubians and other cultures of the world. The festival is usually held in July, lasting for several days filled with music, dancing and singing.

What distinguishes the Kashubian Encounters is primarily its international character. On one stage we can admire both local groups presenting traditional Kashubian dances, as well as folk groups from the remotest corners of the world - from South America to Asia. The heart of the festival is the amphitheater located on the picturesque Wielewskie Lake, where the main concerts are held. It is worth knowing that Kashubians have their own language, officially recognized as a regional language, and during the festival you can hear traditional songs performed in this very language.

An integral part of the event are handicraft workshops, during which you can learn the secrets of Kashubian embroidery, pottery making or traditional musical instruments, such as the devil's fiddle or burczybas. According to local legend, the burczybas - an instrument resembling a drum with horsehair - was created when a Kashubian fisherman tried to imitate the sound of the sea during a storm. The festival is also an opportunity to taste regional specialties, such as ruchanki (a type of pancake), Kashubian-style herring or the famous Kashubian berry liquor.

The Sielava Folk Festival in Ogartówek, on the other hand, is a relatively young but rapidly growing cultural event on the map of Pomerania. The festival takes its name from the whitefish - a fish found in the surrounding lakes, which emphasizes the event's strong connection to local nature and traditions. The festival is usually held in August, in the charming scenery of rural buildings and forests surrounding Ogartowko.

What makes the Sielava Folk Festival unique is its intimate nature and authenticity. Unlike many commercial events, here you can experience the true spirit of the old Pomeranian countryside. The organizers place great emphasis on education - numerous workshops are held during the festival, where you can learn traditional dances, songs and even playing folk instruments under the guidance of masters. Particularly popular are workshops on playing the Pomeranian bagpipes - an instrument that has almost disappeared, but has been recreated thanks to folklore enthusiasts.

The festival is also famous for its 'Kupala Night' - a spectacular reconstruction of ancient rituals associated with the summer solstice. According to local accounts, on this night the mythical fern flower can be found, which brings good luck and wealth. Evening concerts around bonfires, singing and dancing together create a unique atmosphere, allowing one to be transported back in time to ancient ages.

Both festivals, although different in scale and character, are united by authenticity and deep respect for tradition. The Kashubian Encounters with World Folklore offers a more elaborate program and an international atmosphere, making it attractive to a wide audience. The Sielava Folk Festival, on the other hand, primarily attracts true folklore enthusiasts who value intimacy and the opportunity to actively participate in the event. Regardless of your choice, each of these festivals provides an excellent opportunity to experience the rich folk culture of northern Poland.

Moving to the south of Poland, we find ourselves in picturesque Malopolska, where the small town of Myslec hosts one of the most recognized folk events in the country - the PANNONICA FOLK FESTIVAL. The name of the festival alludes to 'Pannonia' - a historical land encompassing parts of today's Hungary, Austria and the Balkans, which perfectly reflects the idea of the event combining the musical traditions of various regions of Central and Eastern Europe.

The history of PANNONIKA dates back to 2013, when a group of folk music enthusiasts decided to create an event promoting authentic Carpathian folklore. Year after year, the festival has grown in popularity to become one of the highlights on the map of European folk events. Interestingly, the festival takes place in a meadow in the valley of the Biala River, at the foot of the Rożnowskie Foothills, which creates a unique idyllic atmosphere.

What distinguishes PANNONICA from other festivals is the unusual combination of tradition and modernity. On the festival stages one can hear both authentic folk music performed by age-old masters and modern interpretations of folklore created by young artists. Particularly appreciated are the performances of Lemko and Roma bands, which present unique musical styles that are almost absent from mainstream culture.

The festival is famous for its 'Night of Dancing' - all-night dances where participants can learn traditional steps under the guidance of experienced dancers. According to local accounts, some of these dances have the magical power to unite people of different cultures and nationalities. There is also no shortage of workshops on white singing - an archaic vocal technique characteristic of the Carpathians, the sound of which can send shivers down the spine of even the most experienced listeners.

PANNONICA is also a feast for the palate. The festival's food is based on traditional recipes of the region - you can taste proziaki (a type of scones), kwaśnica, or the famous zalewajka. Local manufacturers also offer natural liquors and meads prepared according to recipes passed down from generation to generation.

The festival also has an educational dimension - there are numerous lectures and discussions devoted to folk culture, its protection and importance in the modern world. Particularly valuable are meetings with the oldest residents of the region, who share memories of old customs and rituals, often already forgotten.

PANNONICA FOLK FESTIVAL is an event for true connoisseurs of folk music, who value authenticity and high artistic quality. Unlike more commercial events, here respect for tradition and its faithful presentation come first. The festival attracts both Polish and foreign folklore lovers, creating an international community united by love for folk music.

It is worth noting that PANNONICA has been repeatedly awarded in industry competitions as one of the best organized folk festivals in Europe. The organizers take care of every detail - from the selection of artists, to the sound system adapted to the specifics of acoustic music, to ecological solutions that minimize the event's impact on the environment.

For those who appreciate an authentic cultural experience, the PANNONICA FOLK FESTIVAL is a must-see on the festival map of Poland. It is a place where tradition is not just a museum exhibit, but a living, pulsating element of modern culture, capable of rousing and moving even the most demanding audience.

The eastern and southeastern borderlands of Poland are areas where different cultures, religions and traditions have intermingled for centuries. It is there that two remarkable festivals take place: Folkowisko Border Culture Festival in Gorajec and Lemko Watra in Zdynia, which celebrate the cultural heritage of these regions in a unique way.

The Folkowisko Borderland Culture Festival is an event that has been held since 2011 in the small village of Gorajec in Roztocze, just a dozen kilometers from the border with Ukraine. The village has a fascinating history - before World War II it was inhabited by Poles, Ukrainians and Jews, which is still reflected in the local architecture, including a historic wooden church from the 17th century, which is one of the central sites of the festival.

Folkowisko is distinguished by its interdisciplinary nature - it features not only folk music concerts, but also craft workshops, lectures, film screenings and theater performances. Each edition of the festival has its own theme, often referring to local legends and traditions. Of particular interest are the tales of 'Sokal's Berk' - a mythical robber who, according to legends, was said to have hidden a treasure somewhere in the surrounding forests. Some festival participants joke that they come to Gorajec not only for the music, but also in hopes of finding the legendary treasure.

One of the most unique elements of Folkowisko is the workshops of ancient crafts. Under the guidance of masters, visitors can learn wicker weaving, pottery, blacksmithing or traditional baking. Particularly popular are classes in making pipes and fugues from willow branches - according to local accounts, an instrument made with one's own hands has a special power to summon good spirits.

The festival is also famous for its 'Kupala Night' - a spectacular reconstruction of ancient rituals associated with the summer solstice. Participants create garlands of herbs and flowers, which they then release onto the water to the accompaniment of traditional songs. According to an old belief, a girl whose garland is fished out by a bachelor will soon marry.

The Lemko Watra in Zdynia, on the other hand, is the most important cultural event for the Lemko community - one of the ethnic groups living in the Polish and Ukrainian Carpathian Mountains. The festival's history is inextricably linked to the tragic fate of the Lemkos, who were forcibly resettled from their native lands to the Recovered Territories in 1947 as part of the 'Vistula' action. Watra (which means 'bonfire' in Lemko) was first organized in 1983 as a form of maintaining the cultural identity of the dispersed community.

The centerpiece of the festival is the ceremonial lighting of the watra - a large bonfire that burns throughout the event. According to Lemko beliefs, fire has a purifying and unifying power - in its glow divisions and conflicts are obliterated. Around the wattle, concerts of traditional Lemko music are held, characterized by melancholy sound and lyrics telling of longing for the lost homeland.

A unique element of the Lemko Watra are demonstrations of ancient rituals, such as the 'Lemko Wedding' - a reconstruction of a traditional wedding ceremony with all its elements: from matchmaking, through betrothal, to a multi-day wedding full of dances, chants and rituals. Particularly moving is the moment when the bride says goodbye to her family home, which in the context of historical displacement takes on an additional symbolic dimension.

The festival is also an opportunity to get to know Lemko cuisine, famous for such specialties as kiesełycia (sourdough soup), hruby (a type of potato dumplings) or banusz (a corn dish). According to old accounts, some of these dishes have medicinal properties, and their recipes have been passed down orally for generations.

Comparing the two festivals, one can see that Folkowisko has a more inclusive character, attracting a wide audience interested in borderland culture in general. Lemko Vatra, on the other hand, focuses on celebrating a specific ethnic tradition, providing a kind of 'return to the roots' for Lemkos scattered around the world. Folkowisko offers a more diverse artistic program, while Watra impresses with its authenticity and deep roots in a specific tradition. Regardless of their differences, the two festivals are united by a deep respect for cultural heritage and a desire to preserve it for future generations.

Both the Folkowisko Border Culture Festival and the Lemko Watra in Zdynia are events that allow one to experience authentic folklore in its natural context. This is not only an opportunity to listen to music or watch dances, but above all an opportunity to immerse yourself in a living tradition that has survived to our time despite historical adversities.