Wianki 2024 – Celebrate the Summer Solstice

This weekend, June 22–23, 2024, celebrate the summer solstice along the banks of the Vistula River with the traditional Polish festival of Wianki, or the Wreath Festival!

In Krakow, the festivities center around music, while traditional wreath weaving remains integral to the celebration. The Music Festival includes both stars and newcomers across diverse genres such as classical, jazz, rock, folk, and pop, along with club sounds and even a silent disco experience. All concerts are free of charge.

Typically, in addition to music, the Wianki Festival will include a picnic, a competition for the most beautiful wreath, and wreath weaving. Krakow’s Wianki celebration, one of the best known, also includes St. John’s Fair, located near the Wawel Castle. There are plenty of handmade crafts, wreaths, and traditional foods, as well as folk dances and music to entertain visitors. The night ends with a glorious fireworks display of the Vistula River.

Wianki originates from a pagan fertility festival honoring the Slavic goddess of love, Kupala. During the night, called Kupalnocka, people participated in wreath-floating and bonfire-jumping ceremonies, which were supposed to ensure fertility. Every flower or herb in a wreath has its special meaning. The legend says if one puts a lit candle inside the wreath and lets it float down the river, one’s dream may come true.

Wianki Festivals will be held in Warsaw and elsewhere around Poland — and even in Polish communities in the U.S. and other countries. Search online for a Wianki Festival being held near you!