Editor's Note: These are courtesy translations of local news provided by the U.S. Army Garrison Poland Public Affairs team for the benefit the military community stationed here. Views or opinions are not endorsed by USAG Poland or the U.S. Army.
Plaque honors firefighters killed in 2024 Jeżyce Tenement Fire
A plaque commemorating firefighters who died during a firefighting operation at 12 Kraszewskiego Street has appeared in Jeżyce. It was mounted on a hydrant located at the site of a tenement house that has since been demolished.
The initiator of this form of commemoration of firefighters was Adam Dzionek from the Jeżyce estate council.
- That tragedy shook the entire city and reverberated far beyond its borders. It also reminded us of the sacrifice involved in serving in the fire department. In this way, we wish to pay tribute to the people who gave their lives to save others. A hydrant, as part of the firefighting infrastructure, seemed a natural and symbolic object to place the memorial - explains the originator.
The board was designed to allow the hydrant to be used, and the device itself had previously been renovated. It was installed by Terlan on behalf of Aquanet.
The tragic events at 12 Kraszewskiego Street took place on the night of August 24-25, 2024. A fire broke out in the building, during which an explosion occurred. During the extinguishing operation, two firefighters died - the late Senior Firefighter Patryk Michalski and the late Senior Firefighter Łukasz Włodarczyk, and 11 were injured. Three civilians were also injured.
#NaFalach summer concert series returns to Lake Strzeszyńskie
Free concerts, famous Polish artists and a holiday atmosphere - this is what the next edition of the #NaFalach series promises. This year, the events will take place on four summer evenings at Lake Strzeszyńskie.
- The #NaFalach series is already a permanent part of our city's summer cultural calendar. Concerts at Lake Strzeszyńskie attract crowds every year, regardless of age or musical preferences. This year's edition will also feature artists representing various genres, so that everyone can find something for themselves - says Jacek Jaśkowiak, the mayor of Poznań.
This year, concerts in the #NaFalach series will take place on June 20 and 21, and August 8 and 9. All events will begin at 8:00 p.m. Lake Strzeszyńskie will be the place to meet the music. Admission to the events is free.
- June 20 - The Dumplings
- June 21 - Blaise King | Kathia
- August 8 - Cleo
- August 9 - Hubert.
The series will open with a performance by The Dumplings. The duo returned after a break and will present songs known to the audience from previous years, such as "Kocham być z Cię", "Nie gotujemy" or "Betonowy Las".
On June 21, Błażej Król will appear on stage. He has eight albums to his credit, including "Te smaki i Zapachy", "Druga pomoc" and "Głodne dusze". The artist also released a joint album with Kasia Nosowska. That same evening, Kathia will also perform - a vocalist from Poznań, awarded the title of Empik's musical discovery of the year 2023. In 2025, she published new singles: "Stój" and "Rosa".
On August 8, the audience will meet Cleo, known for such hits as: "Za kroku krok", "My Słowianie", "Dom" or "Łowcy gwiazd". A day later - August 9 - Hubert will perform, the author of the songs "cotton Candy", "Kobayashi" and "święty pokoju".
About the series
The series of outdoor concerts #NaFalach has been held in Poznań since 2018. Previously, the events were called Żywiec Miejskie Granie and Maltańska Scena Muzyczna. For several years, the concerts have been organized at Lake Strzeszyńskie. Admission to all events is free. In previous editions, the #NaFalach stage has featured, among others, Igo, Natalia Przybysz, Margaret, Organek, Mikromusic and Mitch&Mitch.
The event is organized by the City of Poznań and the Poznań Sports and Recreation Centres.
The partner of this year's edition is Radio Afera.
More information about the #NaFalach series can be found on the website and on social media .
Poznań to host European Congress debate on future of rural areas
From May 8 - 10, the Poznań International Fair will become the center of discussion on the directions of development of rural areas in Europe. As part of the European Congress of Village Renewal and Development, decision-makers from all over the continent, leaders of social organizations, scientists, local government officials and residents of rural areas will come to Poznań.
The Congress is organized as part of the Polish Presidency of the Council of the European Union and brings together representatives from 15 countries, including Germany, France, Italy and Spain. Guests include EU Commissioner for Agriculture Christophe Hansen, Deputy Prime Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, Ministers of Agriculture, and former Presidents of Poland Bronisław Komorowski and Aleksander Kwaśniewski.
- The countryside in Europe is undergoing an identity transformation. Knowledge, innovation and investment are key to development, and the congress will be a place for discussions on how to effectively support generational changes - emphasizes the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Czesław Siekierski.
The event program includes over 20 debates and expert sessions, including "The Countryside as a Space of the Future", "Transformation of Agriculture" and "Sustainable Development and the Heritage of the Countryside". The congress will also feature the inaugural session of the Polish Rural Parliament and presentations of good practices from European Union countries.
One of the important highlights of the Congress will be a debate on rural women, with the participation of Joanna Kuciel-Frydryszak - author of the famous book "Chłopki. Opowieść o nasze babkach". The discussion will focus on the historical and contemporary role of women in social and economic processes in the countryside.
An integral part of the event will be the EXPO Odnów Wsi zone, available free of charge to all visitors. Over 65 stands will present local products, agricultural technologies, handicrafts, and social and educational initiatives. There will also be pottery and wickerwork workshops, culinary shows, tastings of regional dishes, and performances by folk groups. The highlight of the program will be the "Battle of the Regions" - a culinary competition of the Rural Housewives' Associations from Wielkopolska.
- We are proud that the Poznań International Fair will become a space for such an important debate on the future of the countryside - says Tomasz Kobierski, president of the MTP Group.
Coronation picnic, bench and mural honor first king of Poland
Medieval fight shows, coin minting and live music - these are just some of the attractions that await Poznań residents during the Coronation Picnic. The event will take place on Saturday, May 10, on the Bolesław Chrobry housing estate and in the neighboring T. Kasserna Park. During the event, there will be an official presentation of a bench with the image of the first king of Poland. You can already admire the mural commemorating the 1000th anniversary of his coronation.
- Through this project, we wanted to combine modernity with tradition. The mural on block no. 18 and the royal bench are symbols that show that the history of the first Piasts is still alive among us - literally in our backyards. The choice of the wall of block no. 18 was not accidental - it is a place perfectly visible from the main communication routes of Poznań - says Jacek Kołaczek, president of the Poznań Housing Cooperative.
The mural referring to the 1000th anniversary of the coronation of the first king of Poland was created in Piątkowo - on the Bolesław Chrobry housing estate, on the top wall of skyscraper no. 18. The 11-storey building is visible from Księcia Mieszka I and Kurpińskiego streets, but also from further parts of Poznań. The work refers to the colors of the surrounding buildings, its upper part blends into the shades of the elevation. The mural bears the slogan "It all started here". The inscription emphasizes the fact that the coronation of Chrobry could have taken place in Poznań, as evidenced by numerous studies and findings.
The mural project was designed by a team of artists including Dorota Piechocińska, Paweł Piechnik and Dominik Dziedzina, and the entire work was painted by a team from Poznań - MURALL studio.
- The concept involved combining the image of Bolesław the Brave and the motif of the oldest denarius minted during his reign. The design was incorporated into the local colour scheme and determined by the vertical shape of the skyscraper's gable wall, which gives us a sequence of stories from top to bottom. We decided to refer to the ruler's most recognizable profile from the 20 złoty banknote, positioned in such a way that it is legible and visible both from the main street and the entire district - says Dorota Piechocińska.
- I decided to add a battle scene at the bottom of the mural because it accurately depicts the rule of Bolesław the Brave. Despite many battles and warfare, he was also the only ruler in the history of Poland who made significant conquests not only to the east, but also to the west of the country's borders. Moreover, his nickname "Chrobry" means brave, courageous - adds Paweł Piechnik.
The painting with the image of Bolesław the Brave is a grassroots initiative of a resident of Poznań, a history enthusiast who wishes to remain anonymous.
- The idea of creating a mural was born out of a personal fascination with the history of Poland and the city of Poznań - a fascination that matured over the years, the first seeds of which appeared in my youth, while riding on the "Pestka". The idea assumed "signing" housing estates with images of their patrons - the rulers of Poland - with wall paintings that would not only decorate the urban space but also restore historical memory. I infected several colleagues with this idea, who decided to support me in finalizing the project - says the initiator of the mural.
The mural is not the only element commemorating the 1000th anniversary of the coronation of the first king of Poland. On Saturday, May 10, the Coronation Picnic will be held in T. Kasserna Park. Residents of Piątkowo and other areas of Poznań can expect, among other things, medieval fight shows, minting of coins with the image of Bolesław the Brave, and live music. During the event, there will also be the official unveiling of a unique bench, on which none other than the son of Mieszko I and Dobrawa will sit. Attractions await Poznań residents between 1 and 4 p.m.
The organizer of the picnic and the founder of the bench dedicated to the first crowned ruler of the Piast dynasty is the Poznań Housing Cooperative. Many events on the occasion of the jubilee of the coronation of Bolesław the Brave were also prepared by the City of Poznań and its subordinate cultural institutions and non-governmental organizations.
1000th anniversary of the golden crowns
Thematic exhibitions, concerts, performances, workshops, discussions and an open-air spectacle - these are just some of the events that await Poznań residents in the coming months in connection with this special anniversary.
In the coming days, history buffs and not only them will be able to take part in the May Day celebration at the Gate of Poznań. There are workshops and entertainment for children referring to the times of the first Piast dynasty. The youngest will be able to learn about medieval fashion, learn the basics of calligraphy and even create their own crown. The program also includes guided walks around Ostrów Tumski and a family tour of the Gate of Poznań exhibition. The event will be crowned by a unique concert. You will be able to listen to traditional music of the Wielkopolska countryside in a royal setting. Bagpipes, drums, trumpets and violins, once common at courts, will be heard.
People who want to learn how the Polish state functioned and looked like over a thousand years ago can visit the Archaeological Museum. In mid-April, the exhibition "Bolesław Chrobry from Poznań for power and the crown" was opened there. This is the first edition of the project. There are plans for further exhibitions, organized together with the Genius loci Archaeological Reserve, and other attractions related to the anniversary of the coronation of the first king of Poland, including popular science lectures or museum lessons for children and young people.
The Department of Culture of the Poznań City Hall has decided on a grant competition for non-governmental organizations that want to co-create events popularizing the times of Bolesław the Brave and Mieszko II. The plans include, for example, a performance by the Usta Usta Republika Theater, a mural on Galla Anonima Street, a verbal and musical concert from the Verba Sacra series, and even workshops on the plant heritage of Ostrów Tumski.
- The Poznań culmination of artistic activities will take place on June 29 in Ostrów Tumski and Śródka. Under the auspices of the Poznań Heritage Centre, a concert with the world premiere of Aleksander Dębicz's piece "1025" will be held first in the Poznań cathedral, in cooperation with the Association of Wielkopolans Bona Fide, and immediately after it an open-air spectacle "Bolezlavus" prepared by the Association 2006 Foundation. It is to refer to the first coronation and the beginnings of Poland in the medieval world and will consist of two parts - traveling and stationary, with the culmination in the amphitheater by the Cybina River - says Patryk Pawełczak, director of the Office of the President of the Poznań City Office.
The program is updated on an ongoing basis. News about what will be happening in the capital of Wielkopolska as part of the celebrations of the 1000th anniversary of the coronation of the first kings of Poland can be found on the portal Rok Bolesława Chrobrygo , which can be accessed from the city website Poznan.pl.
Poznań 2025 cycling map released
Traditionally, for another year in a row, Poznań cyclists receive the latest edition of the cycling map. It is available free of charge in both paper and electronic versions.
If you're thinking about planning a weekend trip or looking for a proven way to get around Poznań on two wheels, you should definitely check out this map. It's a practical guide to the city's cycling infrastructure, cycling routes, and popular places worth visiting on a bike.
The obverse of the map contains a detailed plan of the entire city of Poznań, including existing and constructed cycle paths, pedestrian and cycle paths, lanes and contraflows, and roads with permitted bicycle traffic. It also marks major crossings, marked routes, and locations of self-service bicycle repair stations. On the reverse side, there is a cyclist's guide, a collection of useful information for cyclists. It describes, among other things, types of infrastructure, the most important obligations of cyclists resulting from road traffic regulations, and a collection of tips on how to move efficiently around Poznań ("Smart Relations"). The other side of the map also includes approximate fragments of the city plan with popular places such as Lake Malta or Marceliński Forest.
The Poznań 2025 bicycle map is available free of charge in the following places:
- ZDM headquarters, ul. Wilczak 17
- Paid Parking Zone Office, ul. Głogowska 18
- Cultural Information Centre, ul. Ratajczaka 44
- Tourist Information Centre, Stary Rynek 59/60
- Public Transport Authority points
The map can also be downloaded in electronic version from the ZDM website .
Last year, "Poznań Cycling Map" won first place in the Maps and Atlases category during the 32nd National Review of Tourist and Sightseeing Books. This prestigious distinction was awarded by the jury, appreciating our publication for its contribution to promoting cycling tourism in Poznań.
It is also worth visiting the "Micromobility" tab, where you can find a collection of information on the rules for moving and parking vehicles such as bicycles, scooters or personal transport devices.
Free concert season begins at Lake Rusałka
4 months, 43 concerts and 100 percent good music by the lake. On May 1, Scena nad Rusałką starts, a series of free performances by music bands in beautiful natural surroundings. The events will take place thanks to support from the Poznań Civic Budget.
The stage above the Rusałka River - according to the organizers - is the largest free concert series in Poland. Since the beginning of May, the outdoor stage has been made available mainly to young Polish artists. Until the end of August, it will be possible to listen to both debutants and artists who have already made their mark in show business.
The start of the series is scheduled for May 1, for 3 days in a row you will be able to hear 9 performances over the Rusałka River.
On Thursday, May 1st, the first to appear on stage will be septembie. This is a project by Alex Woźniak, who combines indie rock, dream pop and shoegaze, creating nostalgic music inspired by childhood and the aesthetics of the 90s. After him, Terrific Sunday will play - a renowned indie rock band from Poznań. The group decided to end their activity this year, so this is one of the last opportunities to hear them live. The evening will end with Patrick the Pan, aka Piotr Madej. He will take listeners to the world of everyday stories and subtle melancholy, balancing between electronics, guitars and emotions.
On May 2nd, hip-hop in a modern version will reign over Rusałka. The following will appear on stage: Michelangelo, Frank Leen and CatchUp.
The finale of the music May Day will be on Saturday, May 3rd. DJs with the best Polish electronics will appear on stage. Catz 'n Dogz, An on Bast and Bliss Kiss will sound by the lake.
The first weekend in May is just the beginning of what awaits all those who go to Rusałka. There are 15 performances scheduled until August 28.
List of concerts:
- May 1 -Patrick the Pan, Terrific Sunday, septembie
- May 2 - CatchUp, Frank Leen, Michelangelo
- May 3 - Catz 'n Dogz, An On Bast live, Bliss Kiss
- May 9 - GAYA x TANSY Shelter showcase
- May 15 - May Poznań showcase
- June 5 - Snowdrops, Zaleś
- June 12 - Marie, Lotta
- June 19 - Dagadana, Chrust
- June 26 - Alice, Ania Szlagowska
- July 3 - Pull The Wire, The Bill
- July 10 - La Giang, imasleep
- July 17 - Jakub Skorupa, Michael of the bones
- July 24 - Livka, Wiktoria Zwolińska
- July 31 - Paulina Przybysz, NATA
- August 7 - Pola Chobot & Adam Baran, Magda Kluz
- August 14 - Diya, shymczyk
- August 21 - Iwona Skv, villaz
- August 28 - IGNACY, Gypsy and the Acid Queen
Admission is free. The concert series was financed from the funds of the City of Poznań as part of the Poznań Citizens' Budget.
In 2024, thanks to the implementation of the "Scena nad Rusałka 2024" project as part of the Poznań Citizens' Budget, as many as 41 artists were invited - including: Dawid Tyszkowski, Lor, RYSY, Rau Performance, Daria ze Śląska, Rosalie, The Cassino, Hubert., Coals, Matylda/Łukasiewicz, Kathia, Kasia Lins, Ranko Ukulele, Wojtek Szumański, We Draw A.
In turn, the year before, Oysterboy, Faustyna Maciejczuk, Kamil Hussein, Misia Furtak performed, among others. In previous years, WaluśKraksaKryzys, Sonbird, Król, Baasch, Ofelia performed, among others.
More information about the Scene on the Rusałka can be found on the Facebook event page.
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