From One Celebration to Another

A star-studded concert, followed by a dramatic reenactment of Paderewski's historic arrival and, post-Christmas, a series of official ceremonies and activities catering to all ages are all part of Poznań's plan to commemorate the anniversary of the victorious Wielkopolska Uprising this year.

One of the cultural highlights is the "Wielkopolska Plays! for the Museum" concert on 14th December at 6pm, in Pavilion 7A in the Poznań International Fair grounds. Krzysztof Zalewski helms the evening as artistic director, bringing performances from Małgorzata Ostrowska, Natalia Szroeder, Mrozu, Piotr Rogucki, and Wiktor Waligóra. All ticket proceeds are set to fund the construction of the new Wielkopolska Uprising Museum, meaning every ticket bought helps turn this dream into reality.

Next on the agenda is the grand reception of Ignacy Jan Paderewski. On 26th December 1918, the famed composer and diplomat arrived in Poznań by train from Gdańsk, greeted with cheers and celebrations by the locals. His stirring speech that day lit the spark for the uprising. This year, on 26th December at 3.30pm, a steam locomotive pulling a train will roll into the Summer Station, where a crowd will greet Paderewski and his wife Helena. Actor Andrzej Lajborek from the Nowy Theatre will bring Paderewski to life.

Joining locals, tourists, and historical reenactors sporting uprising uniforms, a group called the "Extraordinaries" will make a unique appearance at the station. Created by Barak Kultury, this superhero crew includes Lady Conspiracy, the Fantastic Pilot, the One-Armed Rebel, the Guardian Footballer, and Iron Man, each inspired by uprising fighters with diverse social and professional backgrounds. Aleksandra Bukowiecka, an independence activist, plays Lady Conspiracy; the pilot represents the famous Franciszek Jach from Wapno while Józef Owczarski from Młyny, a WWI veteran who lost his hand but led his three brothers into battle, inspires the One-Armed Rebel. After the warm welcome, the uprising train will travel from Poznań to Palędzie for a history-themed picnic (tickets for the ride need to be purchased in advance).

The main event and official commemorations will take place on 27th December. The day is to start with laying wreaths at insurgent graves and uprising memorial plaques. From 10am to 6pm, a picnic will be held at the Wielkopolska Uprising Museum in Odwach (Guardhouse) in the Old Market Square. The museum will showcase a new exhibition, Cyryl Ratajski with the City in the Background, plus a sound walk retracing uprising footsteps. Performances by Kapela zza Winkla and Dixi Company will add to the atmosphere. Reenactors will display period costumes and discuss military gear and weaponry. Outside, vintage cannons and interwar period vehicles will be on show. The Armoured Weapons Museum will open for short talks on the uprising, laser shows, period food, and the unveiling of two restored vehicles - one wheeled, the other tracked. Admission to all events is free.

This year's official ceremony will take place in a slightly unusual but historically meaningful spot - at the monument to the 15th Wielkopolska Uhlan Regiment on ul. Ludgardy. The change of location was due to roadworks near the main uprising monument at the intersection of ul. Wierzbięcice, ul. Ratajczaka, and Al. Niepodległości. The ceremony will be streamed online starting at 4.40pm at www.27grudnia.pl.

Further celebrations will unfold in Plac Wolności, where the Christmas Market - Poznań Betlehem - runs from mid-November to early January. On 27th December, the square will be festooned with baubles, flags, and banners. Near Arkadia shopping centre, an Uprising Town will be buzzing with stalls from institutions promoting and educating about the victorious insurgency. To wrap up the day, the Dizzy Boyz Brass Band will perform a fresh retake on the Wielkopolska March, inviting everyone to join in and sing along.

Szymon Mazur

translation: Krzysztof Kotkowski

© Wydawnictwo Miejskie Posnania 2025