For half a century, Biesiada Folkloru Ziemi Kaliskiej has provided a stage for the traditional music, dance and customs of southern Wielkopolska. This summer, the long-running regional celebration reaches an important milestone as the 28th edition coincides with the 50th anniversary of the first regional review held in 1976.
Taking place in Brzeziny near Kalisz on 18 and 19 July 2026, the Jubilee Biesiada Folkloru Ziemi Kaliskiej promises two days of performances, competitions, traditional craftsmanship and community activities. Organised by the Centrum Kultury i Sztuki w Kaliszu, the event remains one of the region's most significant celebrations of intangible cultural heritage and continues to attract performers representing generations of folk artists.
Admission is free throughout the weekend, making it an accessible opportunity for residents and visitors alike to experience authentic regional culture in an open-air setting.
A landmark edition celebrating 50 years
Although this year's festival marks the 28th edition under its current format, its roots stretch back to 1976, when the first regional folklore review was organised following the creation of the former Kalisz Voivodeship. Since then, the event has evolved alongside the region while maintaining its original purpose of safeguarding local traditions.
Over the decades, the festival has been hosted in several cultural centres before establishing its modern home at the open-air stage beside the reservoir in Brzeziny. The location has become closely associated with the event, offering an ideal setting where music, dance and craftsmanship can be enjoyed in a relaxed rural atmosphere.
The anniversary provides an opportunity not only to celebrate today's performers but also to recognise the generations of musicians, singers, dancers and community organisers who have kept these traditions alive.
Nearly 400 performers across two days
The 2026 programme will feature an impressive line-up of participants from across the Kalisz region and neighbouring parts of southern Wielkopolska.
This year's festival brings together:
- Around 340 performers
- 24 folklore ensembles
- 10 traditional folk bands
- 19 solo singers
- 2 instrumental soloists
- 10 folk masters and 13 apprentices
Visitors can expect almost nine hours of live performances spread across two days, showcasing the diversity of regional folk traditions through music, singing, dance and ceremonial presentations.
Artists will compete in several categories, including:
- Folk dance ensembles
- Ritual and ceremonial groups
- Children's ensembles
- Vocal ensembles
- Traditional folk bands
- Solo singers
- Instrumental soloists
Youth competitions encouraging younger generations to continue regional musical traditions
Organisers have confirmed that no entries were received this year in the storytelling category.
More than a competition
While the artistic competition remains at the heart of the festival, the Jubilee edition expands well beyond performances on stage.
Visitors will be able to explore a range of complementary events celebrating the region's heritage. Among the highlights will be a historical outdoor exhibition documenting the festival's journey from 1976 to 2026, offering a visual record of five decades of folklore in southern Wielkopolska.
The programme also includes workshops led by traditional artists, allowing visitors to gain a closer understanding of regional customs and creative techniques. A special podcast project titled Tell Me Your Tradition will collect personal stories connected with local heritage, while a new publication dedicated to participating ensembles will help preserve their contribution for future generations.
The weekend opens with a colourful parade of performers through Brzeziny, creating a festive atmosphere before the competitions begin. The closing celebrations will feature the village dance gathering Tańce Blisko Ziemi, inviting participants and visitors to enjoy traditional social dancing together before the presentation of awards.
Traditional craftsmanship takes centre stage
An important part of the weekend is the accompanying Folk Art Fair, which showcases the skills of regional craftspeople.
Visitors will have the chance to meet artisans working across a wide range of traditional disciplines, including:
- Embroidery
- Lace making
- Wood carving
- Basket weaving
- Straw craft
- Wicker work
- Paper flower making
- Traditional ceremonial decorations
- Pottery
- Folk musical instrument making
Rather than simply displaying finished products, many exhibitors demonstrate their techniques, offering valuable insight into crafts that continue to form part of the region's cultural identity.
Prestigious awards for outstanding performers
Competition remains an important aspect of the festival, with participants competing not only for recognition but also for substantial prizes.
The overall winner will receive the prestigious Grand Prix "Gałązka Brzeziny" together with a commemorative statuette.
A prize fund of 30,000 zł has been provided through support from the Polish Ministry of Culture and National Heritage via the Culture Promotion Fund, alongside funding from the Self-Government of the Wielkopolska Region.
For many ensembles, recognition at Biesiada Folkloru Ziemi Kaliskiej represents one of the most respected achievements within the regional folklore community.
Preserving living heritage
The festival's importance extends beyond entertainment. Its primary mission is to document, protect and promote the traditional culture of southern Wielkopolska while creating opportunities for performers to exchange knowledge and learn from specialists in the field.
The event also serves as a valuable record of how local traditions continue to evolve while remaining rooted in authentic community practice.
This commitment to safeguarding living heritage received national recognition when Biesiada Folkloru Ziemi Kaliskiej was entered into Poland's National Register of Good Practices for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2022.
That recognition reflects years of collaboration between the organisers and traditional artists from across the Kalisz sub-region, helping ensure that local music, songs, dances and customs continue to be passed from one generation to the next.
Why it matters for Kalisz
Events such as Biesiada Folkloru Ziemi Kaliskiej play an important role in strengthening regional identity while introducing visitors to the rich cultural traditions of southern Wielkopolska.
For local families, the festival offers an opportunity to reconnect with customs that have shaped communities for generations. For younger participants, it provides a platform to learn directly from experienced practitioners. International visitors also gain a genuine introduction to traditions that remain part of everyday cultural life rather than museum exhibits.
As the festival celebrates its 50-year journey, the Jubilee edition promises to honour its past while demonstrating that the music, craftsmanship and community spirit of the Kalisz region remain as vibrant as ever.
Event Details
Event: Jubilee Biesiada Folkloru Ziemi Kaliskiej 2026
Dates: Saturday 18 July 2026 from 4:00 pm and Sunday 19 July 2026 from 11:00 am
Location: Brzeziny near Kalisz, Estrada nad Zalewem / Kąpielisko
Admission: Free
image credit: Marta Kaczocha