Three days of music, dance, flavors, and memories—that is how this year’s edition of FESTA, the Festival of Southern European Culture, can be briefly described. The event will take place from June 5 to 7, with the main celebrations planned for Saturday, June 6, in Bolesławice.
Ceremonial opening on Saturday
The festival will officially begin on Saturday, June 6, at 2:30 p.m. with the ceremonial unveiling of a commemorative plaque by the community center in Bolesławice. This is part of the observances marking the 80th anniversary of the arrival of repatriates from the former Yugoslavia—an event that has become a lasting part of the history of the local community. At 3:00 p.m., the festival will move to the sports field, where the main artistic program will begin.
Main stage program
Ensembles from Poland and abroad will perform on stage. The evening’s headline act will be “Bojmija” from North Macedonia, joined by Kraków’s “Iglika” and local folk groups. The audience will also see the performance “WRACAMY,” presented by the “Ziemi Bolesławieckiej” Song and Dance Ensemble—a production referring to the theme of repatriation.
Balkan flavors and a family atmosphere
The organizers have also taken care of the culinary side of the event. Participants can look forward to Balkan cuisine demonstrations and workshops, where they will be able to learn traditional recipes and culinary techniques from the Balkans. Traditional games and activities, as well as the “MOJE DRZEWO” competition, have been prepared for children and adults. The festival area will feature exhibitions, photographs, and a tourist train. The evening will conclude with a dance party open to everyone.
Accompanying events
FESTA 2026 is not limited to Saturday’s events in Bolesławice. The program extends across the entire weekend and includes neighboring towns.
- Friday, June 5, at 5:00 p.m. – a concert by Bojmija and the Harmonia Choir will be held at the Muza Culture and Arts Center in Nowogrodziec. The event is organized jointly with the Municipal Culture and Sports Center in Nowogrodziec.
- Sunday, June 7, at 5:00 p.m. – a screening of the film “Macedończyk” and an author meeting are planned at the Community Center in Mierzwin.
The event is organized by Gmina Bolesławiec, the Bolesławice Village Organizing Committee, and the Municipal Culture and Sports Center in Bolesławiec, based in Kruszyn. Admission to all events is free and open to everyone who wishes to celebrate together this exceptional meeting of cultures, memories, and intergenerational stories.
