Christmas in Poland is a truly magical and important time of the year. Poles are famous for their hospitality, especially during Christmas. No one should be left alone at Christmas, so strangers are welcomed to the Christmas Eve and during Wigilia additional seat at the table is always kept for somebody unknown. It is still strongly believed that whatever occurs on Wigilia has an impact on the coming year. The father or eldest member of the family reaches for the oplatek (wafer), breaks it in half and gives one half to the mother and other family members. They wish one another a long life, good health, joy and happiness, not only for the holiday season but also for the New Year and for another year to come!
During the three events – two Polish Arts and Crafts Workshops and Polish-English Christmas Eve – the people of Merseyside will have a chance to discover Polish Christmas traditions e.g. find out why in Poland there is 12 dishes during the Xmas Eve or who are the Carolers?
Join and have a go at Polish Christmas arts and craft or taste delicious Polish food. There will be plenty of opportunities for merry carol singing in both languages during these events – something that Poles seem to be famous of, especially during family gatherings!
The Christmas events each year continue to attract crowds of people from ALL backgrounds and different parts of Merseyside. As some participants noted at last year’s events it was:
‘Great way to get ready for Christmas, get creative and make your own Christmas decorations or gifts: so much fun in a international environment!’
‘The atmosphere at the events was amazing and the group very welcoming – definitely will come back next year! ‘
Wigilia (Polish-English Christmas Eve) on Tuesday, 2nd of December at 6pm, Academy of St Francis of Assisi in Kensington
The event is open for all especially from Polonia’s friends, fans and volunteers to supporters and representatives of Liverpool City Council, The Polish Government and all those who have collaborated to the organisation’s on-going success. All the guests will have an opportunity to sing Christmas carols and taste delicious Polish and English Christmas dishes. The menu will consist of ‘pierogi’ (Polish dumplings), mince pies and mulled wine.
This year the students of the academy will have a chance to particpate in the Polish Cooking Workshop under the lead of a professional chef and volunteer of Merseyside Polonia Dariusz Dadyński. It will be a great chance to find out more about traditional Polish christmas food and taste it afterwords!
Polish Christmas Workshop, Saturday, 6th of December at the Museum of Liverpool (2-4pm)
Make home made Christmas decorations, gifts and spend some creative time with your loved ones. The Museum will have lots of Christmas attractions on the day including Polish Crafts Workshop (2:00pm-4:00pm), Polish Christmas Special (12:00-4:00pm Museum Café) homemade Christmas arts for sale (Museum Shop) made by the members of Polonia or an opportunity to listen to live Polish Christmas Carol singing and meet Father Christmas and his helpers!
Come and learn how to make traditional straw or Christmas tree decorations and take them home.
Polish Christmas Workshops, Sunday, 14th December 2014, 2-4pm, Sudley House, Mossley Hill Rd, Liverpool L18 8BX
If you miss the big Christmas Worksop at the Museum of Liverpool or prefer more cosy atmosphere there is nothing to worry about! This year you can catch up and come to the Victorian merchants’ house – part of the Museums of Liverpool – Sudley House a week after! Great opportunity to visit this marvellous and historic building and check out their café food and hot drinks.
The Events are organised by Merseyside Polonia and funded by Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) , The Mayor’s Hope Fund and supported by Liverpool City council Museum of Liverpool, Sudley House and Academy of St Francis of Assisi.
Photo © Barbara Idasiak
More information on: Merseyside Polonia