For several years now, Zgorzelec seniors have been organising festivities inspired by the Vilnius Kaziuks. Until now, they were held at the Municipal Seniors’ Club as name-day celebrations for Kazimierz and Kazimiera, based on an old tradition from the Eastern Borderlands. This year, in cooperation with the cultural centre and Zgorzelec City Hall, the seniors will organise them for the first time in a less intimate setting—as an Easter fair inspired by the Kaziuks. Attractions prepared for the occasion will include folk-style artistic performances, stalls offering handicrafts and original food, delicious sour rye soup, and presentations by associations, organisations, local partnership groups, and agritourism and organic farms operating in the Zgorzelec area. An additional reason to visit the green dome of Zgorzelec’s cultural centre will be workshops for children, during which the youngest participants will be able to make Easter decorations themselves.
Kaziuks
The custom of organising singing and dancing Kaziuks refers to the indulgence fairs held in Vilnius on 4 March, Saint Casimir’s Day. This old tradition, now more than four hundred years old, is still alive, and Kaziuk fairs are held not only in Vilnius but also in other cities in Lithuania and beyond its borders. They have also been organised in Poland for some time, most often on the initiative of former Vilnius residents or their descendants.
Did you know…?
Before imported Anglo-Saxon Valentine’s Day celebrations became fashionable in Poland, the Vilnius Kaziuks successfully served as the holiday of lovers in the Eastern Borderlands! Gingerbread hearts sold at the fair, decorated with icing and inscriptions—and sometimes even with a considerable dose of iced poetry—were eagerly bought as gifts for people especially dear to one’s heart.
They will also be available for purchase at the Zgorzelec fair!
Kaziuks. Easter Fair – Saturday, 5 March, 12:00–18:00, Municipal Cultural Centre in Zgorzelec, 1 Parkowa Street.
UM Zgorzelec/ii