On Friday, May 16, a “star rally” of preschoolers and primary-school pupils will take place in the Bolesławiec market square (starting at 12:00). The square will also host the outdoor performance “Legends of Chojnik Castle,” performed by actors from the Animation Theatre in Jelenia Góra. At 17:00, meanwhile, the Bolesławiec Enthusiasts’ Society will celebrate its 30th anniversary in the foyer of Forum Cinema.

There will also be plenty happening at Rev. Jerzy Popiełuszko Square (from 16:00):

  • Outdoor Review of Amateur Theatre Groups
  • the “Bolesławiec Residents on Stage” programme (a presentation of winners of artistic reviews, festivals and competitions)
  • a performance by the pop-rock group Kto To from Wrocław
  • a concert by Sumptuastic
  • (at around 21:30) the “Muzyczne Radio Party” dance event.

Saturday, May 17

As part of this year’s South Slavic Culture Festival in Bolesławiec, a “Gumiera stop” will be created at Rev. Jerzy Popiełuszko Square, arranged by rural women’s circles and folk groups. At 10:00, a procession of festival participants will set out from the Bolesławiec market square.

The homesteads at Rev. Jerzy Popiełuszko Square will present the folklore of the countries of the former Yugoslavia. In addition, each homestead will prepare various demonstrations, including making pita dough, cooking goulash and pepper soup, tasting rakia, and preparing pećenica over an open fire.

The demonstrations will be accompanied by a stage where local folk groups that cultivate Balkan traditions will sing and dance. In the evening, the well-known-to-Bolesławiec residents group RKUD Pelagić from Banja Luka and the Roma group Terno, which will present the “Gypsy Wedding” programme, will perform.

As part of the festival, the “Balkans on Screen” Film Review will be held at Forum Cinema on May 14 and 15. The review will feature highly evocative films depicting both the wartime suffering and the cultural richness of the countries of the former Yugoslavia. Also on May 14, Jacek Szymański, MA, will give a lecture entitled “On War Without a Single Shot.” Here is the review programme:

  • May 14 – “The Secret Life of Words,” dir. Isabel Coixet
  • May 15 – “A Border Post,” dir. Rajko Grlić; “Grbavica,” dir. Jasmila Žbanić; “The Secret Life of Words,” dir. Isabel Coixet.

Sunday, May 18

On Sunday, the formal announcement will be made that St. Maria De Mattias has been established as the patron saint of our city. Archbishop Józef Kowalczyk, Apostolic Nuncio in Poland, has announced his participation in the ceremony. During the Eucharist in the Bolesławiec market square (starting at 12:00), the decree of the Holy See granting the patronage will be announced.

That day will also feature performances by choirs from Poland and concerts by brass bands from Lower Silesia. The announcement of the Vatican decree will be preceded by a ceremonial session of the Bolesławiec City Council and the unveiling of a commemorative plaque.

Agora Bookshop invites lovers of good literature to a meeting with Giuseppe Recchia, a film director and author of the book “Hemingway for Cuba.” The meeting will take place in the Council Chamber (Bolesławiec Town Hall) at 18:00.

Bolesławiec City Days will conclude with a Brass Band Parade and a concert. The detailed programme for this year’s celebration is available on the website of the Bolesławiec Cultural Centre.

Traffic Restrictions

Attention! Due to the Bolesławiec City Days celebrations, traffic arrangements in the city centre will change. Officials apologize for any inconvenience. During the event, from May 16 (from 6:00) to May 18 (until 22:00), the following streets will be closed to traffic:

  • Karola Miarki Street – the section at the City Hall, from the intersection with Asnyka Street to the intersection with Łukasiewicza Street (only emergency vehicles and MZK buses will be allowed through)
  • Asnyka Street – traffic here will proceed in only one lane!

(UM/BOK/GA information)