The Colors of Western Greater Poland

In a world changing ever more rapidly than before, caring for what constitutes our identity is particularly important. Cultural heritage, passed down from generation to generation, builds a bond with the place we come from and allows us to preserve the memory of people, their daily lives, customs, and values. One of the most beautiful and recognizable elements of this legacy is folk costume.

Folk costume of Wielkopolska is much more than a striking stage costume. It tells the story of the region, written in colors, fabrics, and details. Every embroidery, ribbon, and ornament had its own meaning and reflected the traditions and sense of community of its inhabitants. For years, these costumes accompanied the most important events of life – holidays, rituals, and family celebrations – becoming a symbol of regional identity.

Today, recreating old costumes is not only a journey into the past but, above all, a conscious effort to preserve intangible cultural heritage. Reconstructing folk costume requires immense knowledge, patience, and respect for history. It is based on the analysis of old photographs, ethnographic descriptions, museum exhibits, and family histories. This allows for the faithful reproduction of not only the cut and colors of the costumes, but also their authentic character.

This is precisely the task undertaken in 2026 by Folk Group „Wielkopolanie” of the Stanisław Barańczak Wielkopolska Library, implementing the “Colors of Western Wielkopolska” project, co-financed by the Minister of Culture and National Heritage as part of the National Centre for Culture’s “EtnoPolska. Edition 2026” program.

The project involves the reconstruction and supplementation of traditional costumes from Dąbrówka Wielkopolska region — including dresses, sashes, yaks, wreaths, and ruffs—which constitute an extremely valuable element of the cultural heritage of Western Wielkopolska. The work will be conducted in collaboration with ethnographers, museum professionals, and folk artists specializing in costumes from this exact region, ensuring their authentic character and adherence to regional traditions. Folk Group „Wielkopolanie” has been actively involved in artistic and educational activities for many years. During concerts, festivals, and cultural events, both in Poland and abroad, it showcases the rich folklore of Western Wielkopolska, becoming one of the most important ambassadors of regional culture.

The “Colors of Western Wielkopolska” project will not only restore the aesthetic and functional value of the costumes and ensure a unified image of the ensemble during performances. Above all, it will create conditions for the continued professional presentation of the region’s traditions and even more effective promotion both domestically and internationally.

The newly made costume elements will serve the ensemble for many years to come, becoming a lasting tool for education and promoting local culture.

Thanks to such initiatives, the old costumes do not remain mere museum exhibits. They continue to live on – on stage, during meetings with local residents, and in the memories of future generations, to whom they tell the history of the region, written in colors, fabrics, and tradition.

PK