"Wielkopolanie" on a festival in Slovakia and Hungary!

The “Wielkopolanie” Folk Group went on their 130th trip to Slovakia and Hungary from July 22-28. The dancers and musicians traveled to represent Polish folk culture at the special Novohradský Folklórny Festival – Nógrádi Folklór Fesztivál. The trip was full of exciting experiences, visiting interesting places, bonding with other groups, and exploring the region’s charm. The team also performed on stage during many concerts.

Day 1: Concert under Šomoška Castle and festival opening
The trip started with a concert under the beautiful Šomoška Castle, located on the Slovakia-Hungary border. Groups from Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia, Macedonia, and Poland performed under the historic castle walls, creating a unique festival atmosphere. That day, there was also a formal opening ceremony. The evening was spent bonding with other international groups, making new friends, and enjoying the energy of folk culture from around the world.

Day 2: Culture and history in Lučenec and an evening concert
The second day began with a visit to the Radnica – Municipal Museum in Lučenec, located in a historic town hall. The group saw exhibits about the city’s history, including archaeological artifacts, crafts, documents, and photos. They also explored the town hall’s interior and the city council meeting room. Next, they visited the Lučenec synagogue. The day ended with a concert in Salgótarján, where “Wielkopolanie” performed Polish folk dances, including those from the Wielkopolska region, earning the audience’s warm appreciation. In the evening, they joined other groups at a cultural center to learn dances together.

Day 3: Meeting with the mayor and performance in Budiná
On the third day, all the groups’ representatives met with the mayor of Lučenec. The visit was friendly and highlighted the importance of cultural cooperation. Later, “Wielkopolanie” rehearsed for Saturday’s main concert in Lučenec, perfecting their performance. In the afternoon, they traveled to the picturesque village of Budiná, where they performed Polish folk dances. The show in the rural setting was unforgettable, blending tradition with the warm hospitality of the local community.

Day 4: Filakovo Castle and colorful parade
On the fourth day, “Wielkopolanie” visited the ruins of Filakovo Castle, part of the Novohrad-Nógrád Geopark. A guided path taught them about the castle’s history and the geological features of the hill it stands on. The place, full of history and stunning views, impressed everyone. In the evening, the group joined a lively parade through the crowded streets of Lučenec, ending with a concert near Mestský Park. After the performance, they enjoyed another evening of bonding with other teams.

Day 5: Concert in Bánk and grand finale
On the last day, “Wielkopolanie” performed in the Hungarian town of Bánk, on a festival stage near a scenic lake. The day was spent enjoying local food from various stalls and watching other groups’ performances. In the evening, the festival closed with a final concert, where “Wielkopolanie” showcased their skills one last time, saying goodbye to the audience.

In summary, the 130th international trip of the “Wielkopolanie” Folk Group was not only a chance to promote Polish folk culture but also an unforgettable experience filled with excitement, new friendships, and discovering the beauty of Slovakia and Hungary. “Wielkopolanie” showed that folk culture is more than just dance and music—it’s a way to connect with people from all over the world.

OJ