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.
Old Marych is already a quarter of a century old in Poznan
For 25 years, Poznań residents have passed it on their way to the Old Market Square or to Stary Browar. It's so distinctive that it serves not only as a meeting point but also attracts the attention of tourists, who eagerly take photos with it. The Old Marych monument, as we're talking about it, is now a quarter of a century old. Its birthday falls on the first day of spring.
Let's go back in time a bit. It's Wednesday, March 21, 2001. A crowd of Poznań residents is gathering at the Spring of Nations Square, at the end of Półwiejska Street. The ceremonial unveiling of the Old Marych monument is imminent. Today, for many, he's a distinctive figure in a flat cap, carrying a briefcase, and riding his bicycle. However, this figure has a history of its own.
The "cyclist" standing on Półwiejska Street is a fictional literary character created by Juliusz Kubel, a Poznań writer and promoter of local dialect. He gained fame thanks to the humorous radio play "Blubry Starego Marycha," broadcast on Radio Merkury (today's Radio Poznań) from February 13, 1983, to December 31, 1999. This character was so popular that in the "Poznanian on the pedestal" poll, organized by the local Gazeta Wyborcza editorial office, he beat out Cyryl Ratajski, Edward Raczyński, and Wiktor Dega, among others. Radio Marych "blubbed" in Poznań dialect, voiced by actor Marian Pogasz, who could also be heard during breaks in Lech Poznań matches. The monumental Old Marych bears his face.
As can be read in the city bulletin archives, the ceremonial unveiling of the monument, designed by Poznań artist Robert Sobociński (who also designed the goats in Kolegiacki Square), was performed by Professor Stefan Stuligrosz. Speeches were delivered by Juliusz Kubel, the "father" of Stary Marych; Piotr Frydryszek, then head of Radio Merkury; and Wojciech Bartkowiak, then editor-in-chief of the local Gazeta Wyborcza. Children from the Łejery Theatre (whose name also comes from Poznań dialect) sang the hymn "Stary Marych." Twenty-five years have passed since this event. There are people in the city who have always recognized the "monument of the man with a bicycle" on Półwiejska Street.
The sculpture quickly became a fixture in the cityscape. Over the years, Poznań residents have grown so fond of the monument that they eagerly incorporate it into important events. Old Marych plays annually with the Great Orchestra of Christmas Charity (the sculpture is always covered with hearts), promotes the Pyrkon Fantasy Festival (posing in clothing bearing the event's symbol), celebrates Lech Poznań's victorious matches (showing off his blue-and-white scarf), and even dons a baby carrier to encourage fathers to take parental leave, and engages in various other happenings and educational campaigns.
What else is worth knowing about the famous Poznań cyclist? The Old Marych monument measures 195 cm and weighs 500 kg. It was originally intended to be placed on Łazarz Street, with which he was primarily associated by radio listeners. Ultimately, however, Półwiejska Street, a popularized street with locals and tourists, was chosen. The date of the sculpture's unveiling was no coincidence either. March 21, 2001, marked the 90th anniversary of the birth of Stanisław Strugarek – a writer, editor at Polish Radio, and promoter of the Poznań dialect. It also marked the first day of spring and the official opening of the cycling season.
There's a curious legend among students about Old Marych. Apparently, he'll give anyone who visits all the pubs and restaurants in the Old Market Square in a single evening a ride home on his bicycle.
Shopping Sunday and the change from winter to summer time
Shops and galleries will be open next Sunday.
This year, shopping Sundays are: January 25, 2026, March 29, 2026, April 26, 2026, June 28, 2026, August 30, 2026, December 6, 2026, December 13, 2026, December 20, 2026.
This means you'll be able to do some pre-Christmas shopping this coming Sunday. Some supermarkets will be open until 10:00 PM. Shopping malls are declaring they'll be open until 9:00 PM.
Additionally, the transition from winter to summer time will take place this weekend. On the night of March 28th to 29th, at 2:00 AM, we will turn our clocks forward to 3:00 AM, meaning we will lose an hour of sleep.
A unique attraction in Poznań. A piano will even appear on the tram.
Piano Day Poznań 2026 is ahead of us.
Piano Day Poznań breaks the boundaries between stage and audience. In one day – March 29th – you can play on a tram, listen to music in unusual venues, discover the secrets of the piano, and enjoy recitals and DJ beats late into the night.
The Piano Day celebration begins at 10 a.m. in the Atrium of Stary Browar near the Mitoraj sculpture. Throughout the day, pianos will also be played in the courtyard between Wielka and Woźna Streets and in the corridor of the CK ZAMEK, and both students and festival stars will play, often in unannounced concerts.
"A real hit will be the tram with a piano inside, which will stop at the Biblioteka Uniwersytecka stop on Ratajczaka Street. Students from the Lalak Piano Academy will play on the tram first, and then, as part of the OPEN PIANO event, you will be able to play for friends and family in a truly unique setting. Advance registration is required; details are available at pianoday.pl, " the organizers inform.
Registration is also required for events for children: International Music Education workshops, where children will be able to improve their technique under the guidance of Jan Gzella, a lecturer at the Academy of Music.
From 12 p.m., the new Filter club-café on ul. At Zamkowa, visitors will be able to participate in the audiovisual installation "Resonances," which will allow anyone—regardless of skill level—to actively participate in piano playing and control sound visualizations.
Lectures, panel discussions, and concerts have also been prepared at various locations.
The afternoon portion of Piano Day Poznań will open at 2 p.m. with a Fabian Gargantini recital at the DeSilva Premium Poznań Hotel. At 2:30 p.m., at the SARP building in the Old Market Square, Michał Kmieciak will perform the music for the film "A Dog's Life of Chaplin," and at 5 p.m., he will return with his trio, presenting the anniversary album "Love Lost and Fragments" from his upcoming album. Neoclassical pianist Piotr Paduszyński will also perform at SARP.
Miłosz Bazarnik (Syndyba) and the Swiernalis / Siwierski / KOVA project will perform at the Dragon Club, featuring acoustic arrangements and premiere material. At Muzyka Na Nowo, Szymon Siwierski will open the stage with a solo concert, followed by Hila Kulik, who blends jazz, swing, and soul with classical music. Jacek Szwaj and saxophonist Marek Konarski will present the "Chopin - Reinterpretations" program.
These pianists will also perform in the grand finale, which begins at 7:00 PM in Stary Browar's Słodownia+3. The second half of the concert will also feature Yana Couto, a Poznań-based composer and pianist who creates neoclassical, minimalist, and ambient music, combining piano, acoustic instruments, electronics, and field recordings.
"If the piano experience is still not enough, be sure to stop by the official afterparty with live piano music mixed with house music. The Siwierski x NoDivision duo will conclude a long day full of various versions of piano music," the organizers inform.
The full list of events is available on the event website. "Admission to all events, except the final concert, is free. The project was co-financed by the City of Poznań and is held under the honorary patronage of Mayor Jacek Jaśkowiak," they add.
Piano Day Poznań is a local event with an international reach – the 88th day of the year (the same number as piano keys) has been celebrated since 2016 in dozens of cities around the world. Three editions have been held in Poznań so far: in 2017, 2018, and 2019.
The big race is back in Poznań. It's clear how the route will change.
It's about the Wings for Life World Run.
On May 10th in Poznań, the Wings for Life World Run will reach its full 8,000-person start line. The event was incredibly popular, with race packages selling out in just over an hour. The new route will take runners past the Zamek Culture Center, the Poznań Grand Theatre, Cytadela Park, and the Old Poznań Zoo, among other venues.
The event's formula remains unchanged – the finish line "chases" the runners. In Poznań, Adam Małysz will once again be behind the wheel of the Catcher Car, which serves as the moving finish line for the Wings for Life World Run. He will set off 30 minutes after the start and gradually overtake subsequent runners, thus ending their participation in the competition.
The start of the 13th edition will traditionally be located at the Poznań International Fair, but the first kilometers will take the participants differently than in previous years. Runners will set off along Roosevelta Street towards Rondo Kaponiera, one of the most characteristic communication points of the city. Then the route will lead down Święty Marcin Street, passing, among others, the Academy of Music, Adam Mickiewicz Square and CK Zamek. At this point, participants will turn into Aleja Niepodległości. The next part of the run will lead towards Garbary Street and the area around the largest park in the city, Cytadela Park. The flag marking the 5km will be planted on Kazimierza Pułaskiego Street. From here, runners will head back towards Rondo Kaponiera. Passing the Old Zoo, they will run onto Bukowska Street, and then along Przybyszewskiego Street, they will reach Grunwaldzka Street. The rest of the route is the same as in previous years and leads out of the city through Lusowo, Wysogotowo, Tarnowo Podgórne and Niepruszewo. The entire route can be checked on the race website ," the organizers inform.
The Poznań start list includes many well-known figures, including Bartłomiej Topa, Andrzej Bargiel, Malwina Wędzikowska, and Zuza Kołodziejczyk. They support the Wings for Life World Run, which aims to fund research into the treatment of spinal cord injuries – 100% of entry fees and donations go to this cause.
You can still participate using the app. " Individually, running in any location, or choose one of dozens of organized group App Runs across Poland – both in large cities like Warsaw, Katowice, Krakow, and Szczecin, as well as smaller ones like Wadowice, Cieszyn, Mikołajki, and Łeba. The closest place to Poznań is Stęszew, " they added.
Easter in Poznań: Discovering Polish Traditions as a Visitor
For many foreigners living in or visiting Poznań, holidays can be a special moment to explore local culture more deeply. Easter, one of the most important celebrations in Poland, offers a unique opportunity to experience traditions that have been passed down through generations.
In Poland, Easter—known as Wielkanoc—is both a religious and cultural event, rich in symbolism and customs. The celebrations begin during Holy Week, when churches throughout the city hold services that reflect the solemn nature of the period. A particularly distinctive tradition takes place on Holy Saturday, when families bring decorated baskets, called święconka, to church to be blessed. These baskets typically include eggs, bread, sausage, salt, and a small lamb figure—each item carrying symbolic meaning related to life, renewal, and faith.
Easter Sunday marks the culmination of the celebrations and begins with a festive breakfast shared with family and loved ones. This meal is far more elaborate than a typical morning gathering. Tables are filled with traditional dishes such as żurek (a sour rye soup with sausage and egg), cold cuts, pâtés, smoked meats, horseradish, and an array of cakes including mazurek and babka. Eggs, a universal symbol of new life, are central to the meal and are often shared along with wishes of health and prosperity.
For those who would like to experience this tradition without preparing it themselves, Poznań offers several places where a traditional Easter breakfast can be enjoyed. It is a great way for visitors to immerse themselves in Polish culinary culture in an authentic and welcoming setting.
One such place is the Hotel Mercure Poznań Centrum, which hosts special Easter brunches combining traditional Polish dishes with a comfortable, international atmosphere.
Another noteworthy option is The Time, located in the historic Młyńska 12 complex. This venue offers a modern interpretation of Polish cuisine while preserving the essence of Easter traditions. Guests can reserve a festive Easter breakfast and enjoy seasonal specialties in a stylish setting.
As Easter Sunday is a major family holiday in Poland, making a reservation in advance is strongly recommended.
The celebrations continue on Easter Monday with Śmigus-Dyngus, also known as Wet Monday. On this day, it is customary to sprinkle others with water—a playful tradition symbolizing purification and renewal. While unexpected for some, it is widely embraced as part of the joyful atmosphere of the holiday.
Experiencing Easter in Poznań allows visitors to connect with Polish culture in a meaningful way. From traditional foods to time-honored customs, the holiday offers a memorable glimpse into one of the country’s most cherished celebrations.
Easter Traditions Come Alive at the Spring Fair in Szreniawa
The arrival of spring will be celebrated in a festive and traditional way at the National Museum of Agriculture during the Easter Fair on March 28–29. This annual event invites visitors to Szreniawa from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. to experience the rich customs, rituals, and flavors associated with Easter and the spring season.
The fair will showcase a vibrant mix of folk culture, featuring artisans and craftspeople from across Poland. Guests will have the opportunity to admire and purchase handmade items such as Easter palms, decorated eggs, baskets, embroidery, jewelry, and regional delicacies. Alongside the crafts, a lively stage program will include performances by folk groups and artists known from popular music shows like The Voice of Poland.
Visitors can also enjoy a variety of engaging activities, including live demonstrations of traditional crafts, presentations of Easter rituals, and culinary shows featuring the preparation of white sausage, żurek (sour rye soup), and freshly baked bread. A highlight of the event will be the display of historic tractors and themed Easter table arrangements reflecting both noble and rural traditions.
Families with children will find plenty of attractions, from creative workshops—such as decorating Easter eggs and mazurkas—to educational games, traditional toys, and encounters with animals. Special exhibitions like “Easter in Szreniawa” and “What a Palm Tree!” will further enrich the experience.
The fair will also host a culinary competition, “The Best Taste of Poznań County 2026,” celebrating regional cuisine. With music, crafts, food, and tradition all in one place, the Easter Fair promises a memorable way to welcome spring.
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