Harvest festival traditions continue!
The end of summer in Greater Poland is a time for celebrating the harvest and giving thanks for the hard work of farmers. This year, the “Wielkopolanie” Folklore Ensemble participated in three unique harvest festivals – in Gołuchów, Grzybno, and Szamocin – immersing participants in the atmosphere of ancient traditions through the presentation of an authentic harvest festival ritual.
Grzybno – District-Community Harvest Festival
The day before, on August 30, 2025, the District-Community Harvest Festival took place in Grzybno, organized under the honorary patronage of Marek Woźniak, Marshal of the Greater Poland Voivodeship. The event began with a Thanksgiving Mass at the Agricultural School Complex, followed by the official part, featuring a harvest festival ritual performed by the “Wielkopolanie” group. The ensemble reminded the audience of the beauty of folk traditions, combining song, dance, and symbolic gestures associated with the end of the harvest. The audience rewarded the performance with thunderous applause. The afternoon and evening in Grzybno were filled with joy – concerts and artistic performances, culminating in a dance party that lasted late into the night.
Gołuchów – a joyful celebration for generations
On Sunday, August 31, 2025, the Municipal Harvest Festival took place in Gołuchów, hosted by the residents of Karsy, Krzywosądów, and Żychlin. The celebration attracted crowds of residents and guests. Harvest rituals, music, dances, and a wealth of local flavors made the harvest festival an actual festival of tradition and joy that connected generations. A special highlight of the program was a performance by the “Wielkopolanie” Folklore Ensemble, who performed a traditional harvest festival ritual – from the laying of a wreath, through thanksgiving songs, to the presentation of bread to the hosts.
Szamocin – County-Community-Parish Harvest Festival
The next event took place on September 6, 2025, in Szamocin, where the County-Community-Parish Harvest Festival was held. The ceremony took place at the town market, bringing together the entire county community. The harvest festival mayors were Sylwia Łochowicz and Tomasz Rydelek – farmers with long-standing ties to the region. Here, too, one of the highlights of the program was a performance by “Wielkopolanie.” The group once again presented a traditional harvest festival ritual, introducing participants to the atmosphere of ancient customs that inevitably accompanied the celebration of the end of the harvest.
The “Wielkopolanie” Folklore Ensemble was met with overwhelming audience appreciation in all venues. Their performances allowed participants not only to enjoy the fun together but also to learn about the richness of Polish folk traditions. The 2025 Harvest Festival, featuring the “Wielkopolanie” (Greater Poland People), demonstrated that rituals, songs, and dances passed down from generation to generation still have the power to build community and remind us of the value of farmers’ hard work.
PZ
