Polish Festival returns to Seattle Center on Saturday, July 9, 2016 for its fifth edition celebrating Polish cultural traditions and achievements with audiences of the Greater Seattle region. The programming offers something for everyone, from an opening parade, live music, dance performances, workshops, exhibits, kids’ activities, food and drink, and more. Guest artists come from Canada and Poland, the states of Arizona, Illinois and Oregon as well as local area performers. New appearance this year include groups Mazovia from Calgary, Alberta; Lajkonik from Tucson, Arizona; Duo Draka from Portland, Oregon; and a jazz vocalist from Poland, Kasia Zaręba. Festival also welcomes returning pianist Paweł Chęcinski from Chicago, Illinois, as well as Matt Strutynski, Vivat Music! and Young Polanie from Seattle.
During the day-long performances on two stages (Armory and Mural Amphitheatre), listen to the music of Chopin, songs from the streets of Warsaw and the whimsical poems of a Polish American poet; watch the traditional dances including Polonez, a national dance of Poland; and bring your dancing shoes for the Polka Dance Contest. Then treat yourself to the delicious traditional food and drink at the Polish Food court and beer garden. Plan some time to explore the arts and souvenirs at the marketplace, the ‘how to’ at the workshops, and fun activities for the kids. Visit the historical and cultural exhibit, and enjoy short films about Poland in the Armory Lofts. Try your language skills in ‘Speak Polish Contest’ and more! Full schedule is available here.
This year’s festival will showcase Warsaw, the capital city of Poland, situated on the Vistula river, for centuries “guarded” by a legendary Warsaw Mermaid “Syrenka” that is featured in this year’s festival poster. Warsaw, completely rebuilt after WWII destruction, has become a center for international business, leading academic institutions and one of the European cultural hubs. The city is located in the region of Mazovia (Mazowsze), the largest province of Poland. It holds a significant role in Polish history. It is birthplace of the most famous Polish composer, Fryderyk Chopin, and the Nobel Prize laureate Marie Sklodowska-Curie, among others.
Polish Festival Seattle is a family-oriented event for the Greater Seattle’s multicultural community. The festival provides an opportunity for Polish entertainers to perform as well as Polish-American organizations and vendors to showcase their talents, products, and services. The festival is a place for Polish Americans to explore their heritage and a venue for all visitors to learn more about their Polish neighbors. We believe that through cultural awareness we build understanding and friendship with the community.
Polish Festival Seattle is produced by the Seattle Polish Foundation, a nonprofit 501 (c)3 organization, in partnership with the Polish Home Association and Seattle Center with support from the Polish-American community at large.
For more information, please, visit: Polish Festival Seattle | FB
