Poland's folk festivals celebrate regional traditions

The Biesiada Folkloru Ziemi Kaliskiej 2026 took place in Brzeziny, marking the 50th anniversary of the regional folk review. The event featured 65 competition programmes judged by a panel that awarded 54 prizes, including the Grand Prix "Gałązka Brzeziny" to the dance troupe Głogowianie. Over 360 artists from Kaliskie and south‑eastern Greater Poland participated in performances, workshops and folk‑art fairs, with funding from the Ministry of Culture and the regional government.

In Białystok, the Szczecin folk ensemble "Krąg" performed at the 18th Podlaska Oktawa Kultur, receiving enthusiastic applause and conducting popular dance workshops. The group, active since 1969, showcased the cultural heritage of West Pomerania and highlighted the importance of regional folklore on a national stage.