Every August, Lublin transforms into a vibrant hub of traditional culture, thanks to the Re:tradycja Festival and the Jagiellonian Fair. From August 23 to 25, 2024, the city will once again host a captivating array of traditional music masters and artists. The festival’s signature blend of concerts and lively dance parties has become a beloved tradition, drawing enthusiastic crowds year after year. We’ve already announced the lineup for the Friday night dance party (August 23): Orkiestra Podróżniacy, Kapela Dobrzeliniacy, Kapela Fedaków, and Kapela Bornego will set the stage for an unforgettable evening. Now, let’s unveil the exciting music for Saturday night!
About
On Saturday, August 24th, starting at 10:00 PM, three exceptional bands will take centre stage. First, we have Kapela Józefa Wyrwińskiego, a renowned harmonica player from Korzyce, carrying on a rich musical legacy that spans generations. Józef’s family has a long history in music, with his father and uncle being accomplished musicians themselves. Their captivating performances at weddings, festivals, and community events solidified their reputation as a beloved local band. Józef plays both the three-row button accordion and the pedal accordion, and has been leading his band since 2004. Joining Józef on stage will be baraban player Marian Maj and violinist Katarzyna Zedel.
Next up, Chłopcy z Nowoszyszek will transport us to the vibrant music scene of the Polish-Lithuanian-Belarusian borderland. Their repertoire features a delightful mix of traditional Polish dances like polkas, waltzes, and obereks, as well as more exotic rhythms characteristic of the multicultural melting pot of the former Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, like kochaneczka, wasadula, and kozak. The band’s music is deeply rooted in the region’s rich cultural heritage, drawing inspiration from legendary violinists Franciszek Racis and Mieczysław Pachutko. The band is a frequent performer at dance events and workshops across Poland, and has also toured Sweden, Lithuania, and Belarus. Their lineup features violins, a three-row accordion, a frame drum, and cimbalom.
The cimbalom will also feature prominently in the Ukrainian-Polish band HrayBery/ГрайБери, who will bring the energy of the San River region and Eastern Galicia to the stage. Their music is a captivating blend of Polish and Ukrainian traditions, with a repertoire of lively dance tunes reconstructed from historical sources. Instruments like violins, cymbals, drums, and bass, commonly used in the region since the late 16th century, form the core of the band’s sound. Their music offers listeners a captivating journey through the rich, multicultural heritage of a region once inhabited by Poles, Ukrainians, Jews, and Roma.
When will they play?
August 24, 2024 (Saturday), 10:00 PM – 1:00 AM
Festival Stage, Błonia near the Castle
Free admission
You can also look forward to a dance party on Friday, August 23rd. Get ready to hit the dance floor to the music of Orkiestra Podróżniacy, a dynamic ensemble of young wind instrument enthusiasts. Next up, Kapela Dobrzeliniacy will showcase their vibrant repertoire from the Kutno-Łowicz-Łęczyca region. Kapela Fedaków will then take the stage with their energetic blend of traditional Silesian and other Polish music. Finally, Kapela Bornego, drawing inspiration from master fiddlers like Stanisław Głaz, Bronisław Bida, and Zbigniew Butryn, will conclude the evening with a captivating performance.
Get ready for an even richer musical experience at the Re:tradition Festival in Lublin! As we continue to expand the programme, we’re excited to remind you about other captivating artist gracing the stage: Katarina Barruk, a talented artist brings the magic of Sámi culture straight to Lublin! Weaving the local Sámi language and the hauntingly beautiful joiking technique into her music, Barruk creates a truly phenomenal soundscape. She adds another layer of wonder with musical improvisation, ensuring each performance is a unique and unforgettable experience Joining her on stage are Norwegian musicians Arnljot Nordvik and Vegard Bjerkan. Together, they’ll create a captivating blend of Sámi tradition and contemporary artistry. Mark your calendars for Saturday, August 24th at 7:30 PM at Błonia pod Zamkiem, the main Festival Stage. On the same day, at 8:30 PM, the same stage will reverberate with the electrifying sounds of Barrut, a captivating ensemble that weaves together a tapestry of voices in an energetic polyphony deeply rooted in the rich traditions of Occitania. The next day, on August 25 at 2:00 PM, we shall head to the Dominican Basilica for a concert by Drëszë , a band that keeps Kashubian traditions alive. In the evening, we will move to Błonia near the Castle for the performance of Duo Ruut, featuring Katariina Kivi and Ann-Lisett Rebane, at the same location. Their lyrics draw inspiration from traditional themes, echoing motifs found in old Estonian songs. Also gracing the festival stage that same evening will be the Polish group Duality, a Polish band that weaves a tapestry of sound inspired by the rich melodies and folk songs of the Polish-Belarusian borderland and broadly understood world and electronic music.
For those wishing to deepen their knowledge and acquire new skills, we have prepared craft, dance, and singing workshops. The workshops will be aimed at both children and adults. Registration for the workshops will open on August 12th.
The festival partners with the Kultura Enter Foundation to offer Thw Summer School of Tradition from August 22-25. This annual event provides a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in traditional culture and learn from renowned experts in the field. This year’s focus is on vocal traditions, with workshops exploring Kashubian, Roma, Silesian, Lemko songs as well as those from the re-emigrant communities of former Yugoslavia. To participate in the Summer School, registration is required. Details about the application process can be found in separate terms and conditions.
The festival is a family-friendly event, with plenty of activities for children. The Re:tradition Playground, located in Błonia near the Castle, offers a dedicated space for young visitors. Children can enjoy traditional toys, games, and interactive art installations. Daily workshops will introduce kids to the world of traditional music, dance, and singing.
The full programme is available on our website. Just like every year, the festival audience can expect an incredibly rich artistic programme, full of diverse musical events. Participants can also look forward to exhibitions, workshops, attractions for children, and a handicrafts module where 120 creators will present their unique products. More announcements coming soon!
Re:tradition – The Jagiellonian Fair Festival
23-25 August 2024
Lublin – Old Town, Błonia
Admission free
Organisers: Workshops of Culture in Lublin, Cultural Institution, Lublin City of Inspiration
Honorary Patronage: Mayor of Lublin – Krzysztof Żuk, National Heritage Institute
Co-financed by: Ministry of Culture and National Heritage
Sponsor: Herbapol – Lublin S.A.
Partners: The National Museum in Lublin, Ivan Honchar Museum, Opole Village Museum , “Gardzienice Centre” for Theatre Practices, The Dominican Monastery in Lublin, Folk Artists’ Association, Kultura Enter Foundation, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University in Lublin
Media Patrons: Polish Radio Programme II, Polish Radio for Children, Radio Centre for Folk Culture, Gazeta Wyborcza, KulturaLudowa.pl, MuzykaTradycyjna.pl, Czas Dzieci, Kultura Enter, ONET
