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As the capital of the largest country in New Europe, Warsaw is chock full of world class events. From Witch Drowning Ceremonies to Chopin Concerts to International Film Festivals, you're sure to find something to suit your taste.
When's the best time to visit Warsaw? With the scores of new discount airlines which fly daily to this great city, you can come every month! If you're like most of us, however, and you can't treat yourself to such extravagance, here's a list of the top happenings around these parts. These are the big dogs and, whichever you choose, you won't be alone! Warsaw's events are rapidly growing in popularity. From the chic to the classic, the naughty to the nice, you'll find it all here.
January
Royal Castle:
Ongoing Exhibitions and Performances (year round)
February
Royal Castle:
Ongoing Exhibitions and Performances (year round)
Fat Thursday
March
Carnival
The pre-Lent season around these parts can be intense! Find fine food (and, of course, great drinks) and merriment all around Poland before the Lenten season begins.
Topienie Marzanny
(the Drowning of Marzanna) - celebrate the end of winter in true Slavic fashion... by drowning the evil winter witch, Marzanna!
April
Ludwig van Beethoven Easter Festival:
Concerts, conferences and exhibitions honoring one of the world's best composers. Check out the official website for more inforrmation. Occuring just before Easter, the festival is held in either March or April of every year.
Anniversary of the Ghetto Uprising:
On the 19th April every year well-wishers honour those that died during the Ghetto Uprising of 1943. Tributes are given and flowers laid at the Monument to the Ghetto Heroes (square between Karmelicka and Zamenhofa streets).
Witold Lutoslawski's Contemporary Art Forum:
Go to the Warsaw Philharmonic to witness some of the finest pieces of the 20th century.
Palm Sunday and Easter
A beautiful time to be in Poland. Processions and celebrations all around town (Note: Sometimes in March!)
Polish Contemporary Opera Festival:
Yet another top-notch festival from the Warsaw Chamber Opera.
J&S Cup Tournament:
One of the world's most prestigious tennis tournaments.
May
International Book Fair
Where else can publishers, politicians and librarians all have a good time together?
CEPIF:
The Central Europe Property and Investment Fair is the region's largest real estate event and a must for businesses and investors.
June
Mozart Festival:
The Warsaw Chamber Opera recreates the master's finest work. World Class performances.
Noc Swietojanska:
(Midsummer's Eve) Easily one of the grandest spectacles in Poland. Gather around the Vistula River as the maidens fair toss their wreaths into the water. Based on an ancient pagan sexual ritual. Fireworks... concerts... the whole shabang!
Chopin Summer Concerts:
The works of one of Poland's most famous sons fill the summer air. Lazienki Park, 12 PM and 4 PM.
July
Jazz In The Old Town Festival:
Every Saturday, throughout July and August, expect a jazzy extravaganza to take place in one of the Old Town’s best venues. Email ika.art@wp.pl for details, or ask at the tourist office.
International Street Arts Festival:
The streets of Warsaw come alive with hundreds of off the wall acts. Audience participation encouraged. A very unique event!
Musical Gardens:
Come to the Royal Castle for a multitude of films depicting the fine arts. Big crowd!
Chopin Summer Concerts:
The works of one of Poland's most famous sons fill the summer air. Lazienki Park, 12 PM and 4 PM.
Mozart Festival:
The Warsaw Chamber Opera recreates the master's finest work. World Class performances.
Warsaw Summer Jazz Days:
Poland's love affair with Jazz in full swing. Fine concerts all around town.
August
Anniversary of the 1944 Warsaw Uprising:
On 1st August Poland remembers the tragic victims of the failed Warsaw Uprising of 1944. Several commerorative events take place around this time every year.
Chopin Summer Concerts:
The works of one of Poland's most famous sons fill the summer air. Lazienki Park, 12 PM and 4 PM.
Kazimierz Dolny Film Festiwal
Jazz In The Old Town Festival:
Every Saturday, throughout July and August, expect a jazzy extravaganza to take place in one of the Old Town’s best venues. Email ika.art@wp.pl for details, or ask at the tourist office.
Musical Gardens
Come to the Royal Castle for a multitude of films depicting the fine arts. Big crowd!
The "Ensenble" Chamber Arts Festival
Each year the festival joins young musicians with experienced teachers famous for their chamber performances. After an intense preparation session, the students then present their pieces together with their mentors for the festival's series of concerts.
Warsaw Summer Jazz Days
Poland's love affair with Jazz in full swing. Fine concerts all around town.
September
Warsaw Autumn:
Festival celebrating the finest contemporary classical music in the land of Po.
Monteverdi Festival:
Warsaw Chamber Opera puts on another winner.
Chopin Summer Concerts:
The works of one of Poland's most famous sons fill the summer air. Lazienki Park, 12 PM and 4 PM.
October
Warsaw Film Festival:
Making a bigger splash every year. Highly recommended.
JVC Jazz Jamboree:
Some of the world's best descend on Warsaw.
Monteverdi Festival
Warsaw Chamber Opera puts on another winner.
Chopin Summer Concerts:
The works of one of Poland's most famous sons fill the summer air. Lazienki Park, 12 PM and 4 PM.
English Baroque Opera Festival:
Those guys from the Warsaw Chamber Opera just don't quit!
November
Piano Festival:
The Royal Castle hosts a series of world class recitals.
December
Warsaw Christmas Fair:
Visit the multitudes of Christmas markets for that perfect Holiday gift. For the best ones, try the Royal Caste and the Palace of Culture.
Human Rights in Film:
This international festival is made possible by the Helsinki Foundation for Human Rights. |
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