Poland’s ties with the Jewish community go back centuries, with Jews becoming an integral part of Polish society over time. In many of the country’s towns and cities Jewish heritage is well-preserved through cultural institutions, synagogues and cemeteries. But in Poland’s former capital, Kraków, Jews are celebrated in another special way: a vibrant festival of culture, one of the oldest events of its kind in the world.
The Jewish Culture Festival — taking place this year between 21 and 30 June in the Kazimierz Jewish Quarter, the centre of Jewish life for over 500 years before its destruction during the Second World War — began in 1988. Its beginnings coinciding with Poland regaining its freedom for the second time in 71 years, it quickly became a national and international success, reviving Jewish life in Kraków and attracting more than 30,000 people from around the world each year.
Last year’s edition, in the centenary year of Poland restoring its independence, was organised under Polish President Andrzej Duda’s patronage.
This year is the 29th edition and focuses on earth, one of four elements constituting the world, as something that creates our identity, protects our past and shapes our future. Thousands that come — with many more able to watch live on Polish public television — will be treated to artistic expression and scientific examination in various forms.
