A Region under the Sign of Culture
Wielkopolska is one of the most important places on the cultural map of Poland. Apart from various events connected with many different fields of contemporary culture, its tourists are attracted by folklore events and reconstructions of historical events. And it’s not only Poznań, but also the smaller cities in the region, that have things they can pride themselves on.
The region’s capital is the centre where most events take place. Poznań offers a whole range of exceptional artistic events both for younger and for older people. There are around twenty theatres and musical venues, as well as the resident philharmonic orchestra. The MALTA International Theatre Festival is extremely popular, attracting thousands of spectators and actors from all over the world. Every year around 150 performances are put on display in different places and unconventional municipal buildings in Poznań.
Classical music fans are well-catered for in Poznan too. The Henryk Wieniawski International Violin Competitions are held here. World renowned boys’ and men’s choirs, such as Poznańskie Słowiki (the Poznań Nightingales) or Poznański Chór Katedralny (Poznań Cathedral Choir) were established in Poznań. Concerts and competitions, as well as meetings with classical music are often organised by the Poznań Ignacy Jan Paderwski Academy of Music. St. John’s Fair, appreciated by both the residents of Poznan and by tourists, where regional articles, old trinkets and other curios can be bought, is held every June in the Old Market Square. Furthermore, there are numerous museums, art galleries, cinemas, charming cafés, clubs, restaurants and other places of culture and entertainment dotted around the landscape.
The cultural life of Kalisz and Gniezno is equally interesting. There are very well-known theatres in the cities. Kalisz Theatre Meetings and “La Strada” Street Theatres Festival, as well as musical events such as International Jazz Pianist Festival, concerts of the Kalisz Symphony Orchestra and Chopin festivals in Antonin have enjoyed unflagging popularity.
The International Festival “Jazz pod Piątką” is organised in Gniezno and year by year it is becoming one of the more and more interesting musical events in the world. Other events attracting numbers of tourists every year are: the Organ Festival held in the Gniezno Cathedral and Regional Theatre Meeting during which spectators can watch performances of theatre groups competing for the Golden Nail award.
When choosing the most interesting events in Wielkopolska, we should also remember the International Theatre Initiatives Fair and Family Theatre Festival in Piła. The second initiative is known for its original formula – its performers are usually related to each other. Konin also has something special in its cultural offer for cinema goers – the annual All-Polish Amateur Film Competition presents “niche” film creators, who, with their artistry and original ideas, can surprise even well-known and appreciated artists.