Among the many attractions planned for the night, the highlights will certainly include quizzes testing knowledge of films and everyday life from that period, as well as a costume contest featuring outfits from the era. More information and tickets are available on the Kliczków Castle website.
Za czym z czasów PRL tęsknisz nabardziej?
Ladies and gentlemen! Let the ball begin! Although the Polish People’s Republic was a dramatic period for Poland, filled with events that became permanently etched into the country’s dark history, for many people it was a time of youth—and therefore of fun. How did young people have fun? What could not be missing from the tables?
A bottle of Baltic vodka
This Polish-made liquor not only tasted awful, but smelled awful too. Some people detected hints of kerosene and IXI washing powder in its taste. It was sold in half-liter bottles with a blue label depicting a sailing ship. Vodka was not drunk only by men; hardened by battles on various fronts, women just as often knocked back a few shots during parties.
Jubileuszowa tea in glasses
It was served obligatorily with tea leaves floating in the glass. It was most often chosen because of its practical box, which later came in handy for storing screws. Many people also opted for coffee brewed directly in the glass. Elaborate plastic and metal holders, which protected fingers from burns, were an obligatory part of serving hot drinks.
A turntable or tape recorder
Or even a real orchestra. Depending on the status of the party, music was played live or from records, and later from cassette tapes. Music often consisted of playing the same three records over and over until, at some point, they became worn or stuck, prompting everyone to sing together until dawn.
Vegetable salad
Made with vegetables from soup stock and homemade mayonnaise, it disappeared from plates very quickly. Cheap, filling and nutritious, it was served in some homes every Sunday. Fantastically decorated with chives and mayonnaise patterns, it captivated more than one person… or stomach.
A soda siphon
Thanks to it, water had bubbles. It was found in most homes and even the youngest children operated it. At parties, it appeared in wholesale quantities and served people its contents. It is a relic that some people still miss today.
Popular cigarettes
Most of society smoked cigarettes in the Polish People’s Republic. The absence of a ban on smoking in public places encouraged people to form new social connections, which in the future could lead to the birth of new, brave young citizens of the Polish People’s Republic. Going out for a cigarette together and asking for a light became the beginning of a new and interesting acquaintance for many women.
Polo Cocta
Instead of Western Coke. Its slogan, “strengthens better than sugar,” hardly encouraged buyers to increase their consumption. Similar in taste to the original, it nevertheless never gained a particularly large following.
Fire station hall
From the very beginning, the Polish People’s Republic struggled with a shortage of premises. All kinds of celebrations most often took place in gymnasiums and fire station halls. Only the wealthier people—and those more closely connected with the system—could afford to celebrate New Year’s Eve in a hotel or restaurant.
Master of ceremonies
If a master of ceremonies was present in the hall, everyone knew the party would be excellent. He even pulled the most reluctant couples away from the table, invented more clever games, led the singing of successive songs and smiled gallantly at every female citizen.