Spring!

I love winter. I love it when it snow. I prefer the lower temperature. And... there are so many celebrations during winter:

• Christmas (rather family-oriented), 
• New Year party (rather party-oriented), 
• Carnival (lost of parties) 
• ending with the Fat Thursday (a day of eating Polish doughnuts and other sweets).

Winter ends with drowning Marzanna in river or lakes on the first day of Spring. An old pre-Christian tradition resurrected some times ago.

Bookish Warsaw

May started the season for book-related events in Warsaw. Or so it seems. A few events that got my attention.

It started with Noc Muzeów or The Long Night of Museums, on the 17/18 May. A translation of Polish and Icelandic poems, the night in the public library, and many other events related to book on this night.

The next event was Warsaw Book Fair, 22-25 May, on the National Stadium in Warsaw. What captured my heart this year was the comic section, as you can read in the linked post. 

June is the time of the Pride Parade in Warsaw (called in Polish Parada Równości which means 'Equality Parade'). Since 30th May Equality Festival has started, a time for many LGBT-related events. It shouldn't be surprising there is also a small fair of LBGT-related books (9-15 June) In one of the caffe&bookstore place called MiTo. Nothing big, but still nice possibility to get some books in Polish and English for lower prices. The Parade itself is on 14th June.

Big Book Festival is a two days (14-15 June) festival in various places of Warsaw, and even beyond - in Podkowa Leśna, where is a museum of this year's big star writer - Jarosław Iwaszkiewicz. Many of its events are held in both Polish and English, which isn't common in Poland.

Have fun, I will on the Big Book festival where I volunteer.

Children's Day in Wola

First June is Children's Day in Poland. Many events are held for children in various points of town. All the more, when 1st June is a free day, like Sunday this year.

This year's theme was "Piknik Królewska Wola" (Picnic: The King's Wola [Will]). As I wrote earlier, Wola in Polish means "will".

Below there is a video from the workshops of traditional (court) Polish dance called polonez.

And some photos of other attractions. There were also: painting faces, painting workshops, theatre, songs, reading, decoupage among other activities.

On second photo there is a merry-go-round (karuzela in Polish). People from Warsaw usually connect it with a song "Karuzela" which lyrics include "Karuzela, karuzela, na Bielanach co niedziela". Meaning: Carousel, carousel, in Bielany every Sunday. Bielany is one of the districts of Warsaw, like Wola. The video to this song is from a film.

There were also snacks, of course. As usual there were stands with: popcorn, cotton candy, candies, wafers, ice cream and pańska skórka (a kind of candy from Warsaw region). If you were hungry, you could get grilled sausage. Unfortunately, nothing unusual. Kinda sad there wasn't even one stand with healthy food for children, tho. Especially that the event was organised by the Wola's Hall.

Over a Month of Events

Past few weeks were full of events. I mean the weeks from around the Easter until The Long Night of Museums. So from 13th April 2014 to 18 May 2014.

The events mentioned in the post:

• Easter; 
• Beatification of Popes John XXIII and John Paul II, 
• Majówka, 
• Eurovision, 
• The Long Night of Museums (Noc Muzeów). 

Easter in Warsaw

The Palm Sunday 

© Alina Zienowicz (from: Wikipedia)

The Palm Sunday was on 13th April 2014. Nothing special in Warsaw, where you just go to the church with (usually) a palm bought on the street, or just in front of the gate to the church. Those palms are often made from dry grasses and flowers. Just like the ones in the photo.

This day is specially celebrated in Łyse, a village in Kurpie region (part of Mazovia) where there are contests for the most beautiful palm.

Holy Saturday

© Błażej Benisz (from: Wikipedia)

On Holy Saturday people in Warsaw go to churches to bless święconka (Easter basket). The food inside is symbolic, and serves as a food to eat for Holy Sunday's breakfast. There is a superstition that what was blessed shouldn't be eaten after sunset.

Święconka is blessed during special short "mass" (it's over in around 10 minutes) and you can do it for most of the day, from morning to evening. In the countryside a priest may visit a village and bless święconka that was gathered for example in the village's mayor house.

Vistula and Floods 2014

With spring and heavy rains a flood often comes. Floods this year are serious in Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Those countries received international help to fight with the results of the floods, including Polish firemen. My condolences to people who lost their relatives and friends to the flood.

We got some flooding in Poland too, but it's not something really big. Sure, there were houses, roads, bridges destroyed, etc. but we got worse situations in the past. Of course it won't console the people who lost their homes, and I feel sorry for that, but... at least they didn't lose lives. I heard that a person died in Poland when he tried to cross the flooded street. Media rather reports about death by flood in the Balkans. 

The level of Vistula river in Warsaw got over the alarm level (to 7m high) but there was no flood in Warsaw. The maximum level of the water was yesterday morning and the situation is under control. The flood wave left Warsaw and goes to Płock now. Warsaw is still on the anti-flood alarm, just in case; Płock is already on the alarm. It is said that the flood wave should reach Baltic sea on Sunday or Monday. 

This photo was taken some hours after the culmination wave came to Warsaw. It's taken from afar (the Old Town), but I didn't want to endanger my health or life by coming near the river to take a photo. There was official ban on it also. I heard some days ago somebody fell into the river but he was rescued, luckily.

The water is really dirty and the level is high, but you can see cars riding close to the river bank. 

If you want more photos, from closer distance, you can see them in the article about Vistula river stabilisation in Warsaw. You can also read about the flood wave in Warsaw in English news. 

Btw, Vistula river is nowhere near my house. I'm not ever gonna get flooded living here in Wola;) 

It's spring time!

Do you remember my post about the street band in Wola? It was taken on 23rd March and just few days later the spring bloomed. As you can see in the photo below, made quite late, on 7th April.

Continue reading to see some spring photos made in Praga district, near Vistula river on Saturday, 5th April. Spring came really early this year, the weather was warm and sunny so a lot of people went outside to enjoy the fresh air. As usual I tried not to take the people's photos, and concentrate on the nature tho.

Street Bands in Warsaw

Warsaw Street Bands

There are some things I enjoy about the urban folklore in Warsaw. It's - obviously - the street musicians and bands.

Musicians playing and singing on the streets of Warsaw were especially popular before the Second World War. But even today there are bands that still play in places with lots of passer-bys (tourists including). What's more some bands playing their music going through the backyards, among the apartment buildings.

Today, on 23rd of March 2014, one of such bands was in my neighbourhood. I think it was first time in few months. Not surprising, considering that there is too little street bands in too big city to hear them often. Unfortunately.

Continue reading to see the videos of the street band performance. You will also learn more about street bands in Warsaw and its significance.

Winter photos of Wola

A couple of photos taken in Wola, a district of Warsaw, on 18th January. Winter came back to Warsaw few days before that. It's cold now, around -10, but even after the snow fell we had a warmer day, with temperature above 0 degrees.

Below are the photos from Park Moczydło, one of the parks in Wola. Taken with my mobile phone's camera a bit of time before the sunset.

At least children are having fun, right? ;) That was a nice walk! The most important thing is to dress warmly, then you can have fun. :)

Warsaw's December Photos

On 14th December I went with my friend for a walk. We visited one of the Christmas fairs I mentioned last time. It was a small fair in front of one of Wola's churches. Later, we went to the city centre, passing by Pałac Kultury i Nauki (Palace of Culture and Science), one of the city symbols.

Continue reading to see photos of Wola and Śródmieście, made by my friend.

December Highlights

December is a month connected with Christmas. Indeed, most of December is so Christmasy. Christmas decorations are already in November (unfortunately) but everything screams "Christmas! Spend all your money for Christmas!" very loudly in December. And then there comes the New Year party, a time for long parties. ;)

So, what's interesting in December? As I said earlier, it's mostly focused on Christmas.

• Christmas fairs (usually close before Christmas Eve) with traditional food, decorations or various gifts.
• Barbara's Day (patroness of miners).
• Barbórka rally in Warsaw.
• Nativity scenes in churches. Some are static, some are moving (mechanic) and some are alive. 
• Christmas carols concerts.
• Public Christmas parties. 
• Public New Year party. Free. 

These events are annual. There are also some this year "events".

• 125th anniversary of National Ethnography Museum in Warsaw.
• December 2013 is a time for people in Warsaw to give suggestions related to the new participatory budgeting law. Suggestions now, projects next year and it'll be implemented in 2015.
• Starting on 1st January 2014 there will be a new ticket tariff for the public transport. Those who pay taxes in Warsaw can get "Karta Warszawiaka" which means cheaper tickets after next year's rise in tickets. :D Now it's the time to get holograms for the Karta.

More information with photos soon. On 14th December in Wola there'll be an event with lighting up a Christmas tree, a Christmas fair and concerts. It'll continue to 15th December. And on Sunday there'll be a public Christmas party with the President of Warsaw. Food, carols, wishes, etc. except outside.

December Weather in Warsaw

For those who might be planning their trip to Warsaw, an information about weather might be one of the most important. So, today I'll write about the current weather in Warsaw. It's not as scary as one could think!

Currently there is no snow and the temperature is above zero. This is not so surprising in Warsaw. There are years in which the snow and low temperature doesn't come even for Christmas. I always wish for white Christmas, but probably this year, we won't have snow either.

One of the weather forecast (you know they could be wrong) claims that the temperature until Christmas will be above zero, with only rain falls from time to time. Actually 25th December is supposed to be the warmest day in Warsaw in the next 2 weeks with a 6 degrees Celsius temperature.

Temperature below zero might be only at night (according to the forecasts) during the next 2 weeks.

We had first snow, on 6th December at night. A nice present for the Saint Nicholas Day. This is a photo made in the morning of 7th December 2013.

It was snowing already for a few times, but since the temperature is above zero, the snow is quickly melting. unfortunately for me. I love the snowy Warsaw, especially at night. I love walking through a snowy and Christmasy-lit Warsaw at night.

I have to say, that so far December is quite warm. Good for those who aren't used to the low temperature, but not so good for those who love to have fun in the snow. Winter without the snow is not quite right for me. Actually, the cold and snowy winter is my favourite season!

Last week we had some problems in Poland with the hurricane Xaver, which was roaming in Europe. The worst time was Thursday/Friday night (05/06.12.2013). The speed of the wind was up to around 150 km/h. The worst had people living in the north, on the seaside. For few days many people had no electricity. Generally, it was advised on Friday to not go out unless necessary, because of the strong winds. It's over. The hurricane has passed (to Russia), the electricity (afaik) is now restored everywhere.

Hurricane like this is uncommon in Poland. You shouldn't be worried about such things.

Regardless of the weather now, if you plan to come to Poland during winter (starting from now) it's best to have some warm clothes with you.

November in Warsaw

What are the main events and celebrations in Warsaw in November? There are customs related to the past (honouring those who passed away) and the future (marriage fortune magic). And the most important national holiday - The Independence Day.

Continue reading to learn about these and other events.

Polish Independence Day

Polish Independence Day (Dzień Niepodległości) was set to 11 November as a commemoration of regaining sovereignty after 123 years of non-existence. During those 123 years Poland was divided by three neighbours: Russia, Prussia (later Germany) and Habsburg Empire (later Austria). That day was chosen, when Józef Piłsudski assumed control of Poland. He was a Chieft of State (Naczelnik Państwa) between 1918 and 1922.

It was officially set up in 1937, not celebrated during Second World War (from 1939, when Poland was occupied by Germany and USSR) to 1989 and came back when Poland regained sovereignty, this time from USSR.

Dzień Niepodległości is a free from work day. Continue reading if you're interested in learning more about Polish anthem and celebrations.

Cemeteries in Warsaw

The beginning of November is a time to commemorate those who passed away. Many Polish visit graves of family members and friends.

Continue reading to learn trivia about cemeteries in Warsaw and customs related to the Day of the Dead.

The Death of Tadeusz Mazowiecki

Just last week, on 28th October, we got a sad news. On that day, Tadeusz Mazowiecki, the first non-communist Prime Minister in Poland after II World War has died.

Tadeusz Mazowiecki will be mainly remembered as a politician, as one of the leaders of the "Solidarity" (Solidarność) movement.

Much has been written and told about Tadeusz Mazowiecki. Many people has written about his life, also after he died. I'll give you just some examples:

• Tadeusz Mazowiecki, Polish prime minister, dies at 86 (Washington Post);
• Poland's 'father of democracy' Tadeusz Mazowiecki dies aged 86 (Euronews);
• Polish Jews mourn death of Tadeusz Mazowiecki, first post-Communist PM (Haaretz).

Accidentally, Tadeusz Mazowiecki's death occurred few days before the holidays where Polish people commemorate the people who passed away. First November is the All Saints Day, Second November is All Souls' Day. 

The funeral of Tadeusz Mazowiecki was held on 3rd November. This day was appointed by the current President of Poland as "national day of mourning". Polish and European officials took part in the funeral service in the Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist in Warsaw's Old Town.

Later he was laid to rest in his family's grave in Laski, near Warsaw.

Below there are two links related to Tadeusz Mazowiecki's funeral:

• State funeral for Poland's former PM Tadeusz Mazowiecki (video at BBC);
• Tadeusz Mazowiecki's funeral takes place in Warsaw (text with photos).

God rest his soul. 

October in Warsaw

October is a very "smart" month. In October lectures start at universities and we celebrate The Day of National Education (commonly known as a The Teacher's Day). October can also bring lots of joy to people... Why?

Continue reading to know more about October events and holidays in Warsaw.

Referendum for and against the President of Warsaw

Hanna Gronkiewicz-Waltz,
photo by: Piotr Drabik/Wikimedia Commons/CC

On 13th October we had an referendum for/against the current President of Warsaw. Opposition of the President of Warsaw (and the ruling party called Civic Platform) wanted to throw down Mrs. Hanna-Gronkiewicz-Waltz from her office.

That didn't happen in the end, as the referendum was invalid. Too little people went to vote. Tho from those who voted, around 95% wanted to end the President's post before the constitutional-end in 2014.

If you want to know more about the referendum, continue reading.

Mushroom hunting

Mushroom hunting (Polish: grzybobranie) is a popular hobby or weekend activity in Poland. Depending on the weather, it's possible to go mushroom hunting from August to October. I could talk (write) for hours about mushroom hunting. I remember that I started mushroom hunting with my family (parents and grandparents) as a child. We would drive the car to the forest (good places may be far away) and then start the several-hours-long mushroom hunting.

I like it and I always look out for possibility to go mushroom hunting. Either with friends or family. Why? For few reasons. First, it's a healthy outdoor activity. Second, it gives you a purpose (if you don't just like walking around for nothing). Three, you'll get a delicious (and natural!) food additives! And I swear you that in Poland we have lots of delicious dishes which use the mushrooms. Four, if you like rivalry, you can compare yourself with others. What is important is a good eye and luck.

Continue reading to get some photos from my mushroom hunting, learn some more about mushrooms and forests in Poland... or find online stores, if you can't go mushroom hunting. Long post before you!

September in Poland

September in Poland is a start of the new school year (up to high school) but also... make us remember the World War II, as it's the month Poland was attacked by Hitler.

If you want to learn more about historical events, celebrations, special days and annual events in Warsaw during September, continue reading.

Remembering The Warsaw Uprising

The Warsaw Uprising

I don't want to write about the history, there are lots of books and articles about The Warsaw Uprising available. This uprising is very controversial (was it needed or no?), so I'd prefer you to have your own opinion about it. I want to (and will) write a bit about the symbols and celebrations.

I'd like to write it clearly. The Warsaw Uprising was in 1944 (01.08.-02.10.1944) and it's NOT the same with the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising (19.04.-16.05.1943) which is part of the Jewish Holocaust.

If you've already read about the Warsaw Uprising in my last post on August in Warsaw, you can continue to read more about remembering the Warsaw Uprising.