22 June
Lajkonik Festival
Krakow, Poland
Lajkonik, a procession through Krakow’s Old Town streets, is a wonderful example of how the inhabitants of the city celebrate age-old myths.
International Festival of Organ Music
Gdansk, Poland
Poland's long-standing International Festival of Organ Music - first held in 1958 - takes place at the Oliwa Cathedral in Gdansk. Tuesday and Friday night concerts from mid-June to August have brought the Oliwa organ back to life, presenting the music of the early masters and world premières in a unique location.
22 - 29 Aug
International Highland Folk Festival
Zakopane, Poland
One of the oldest and biggest folk events in Poland, the annual International Highland Folk Festival was first held in 1969. Highlanders from all over the world congregate in Zakopane to celebrate their customs through regional costumes, music and dance.
August (annual)
Viking Festival
Promenada Centre, Warshaw, Poland
This historical festival takes place at the Promenada Centre in Rynia, near Warsaw - the site of Viking ruins. Unfortunately the fourth festival in 2005 was cancelled. The Jomsborg Vikings Hird (brotherhood of warriors from Jomsborg) attempt to recreate the traditions of the Jomsvikings, who once lived on Wolin Island. Vikings from Jomsborg were known as extraordinarily brave warriors, but also as pretty ruthless robbers - as summed up by Eric the Viking's father, who told him "at first rob, then rape, then burn; inversely never".
Website