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Discovering traditional Polish culture: Museum of Mazovian Countryside

27.07.2024 00:15
This summer, the Mazovia region of central Poland offers a variety of events that showcase its rich cultural heritage, far from the bustling capital city.
Photo:
Photo:Marek Zapart, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

These events and exhibits offer a comprehensive view of Mazovian and Polish heritage, appealing to tourists and locals alike, with may opportunities to enjoy a taste of Poland's historical and cultural richness outside the main urban centers.

"Sometimes you don't need to travel hundreds of kilometers to relax in nature," said Adam Struzik, chairman of Mazovia province. "Less obvious destinations can pleasantly surprise us, and the lack of crowds is an additional advantage."

One notable event is the traditional harvest festival, taking place on August 4 at the Museum of the Mazovian Countryside in Sierpc.

Visitors will have the chance to step back in time and experience harvest activities using scythes and sickles, and even see a horse-drawn harvester in action.

Jan Rzeszotarski, the director of the museum, said that the summer schedule is packed with activities that recreate the rural life of old Mazovia.

During the festival, participants can try their hand at mowing with a scythe, tying and stacking sheaves, and using a sickle for detailed work.

The museum grounds will feature reenactments of traditional rituals, including the "decorating of the quail," and educational workshops for children titled "How was it with the grain?". Folk music groups will perform in the amphitheater, enhancing the festive atmosphere with traditional Polish songs.

The museum has also organized a free concert entitled "From Night to Night," featuring songs from Polish films performed by artist Joanna Aleksandrowicz. This concert will take place on Sunday, August 10, at 8:00 p.m.

Another key event, scheduled for August 24, is the Day of Inclusivity for people with disabilities, filled with demonstrations of old farming techniques and craft work, along with hands-on workshops designed especially for those on the autism spectrum, including a "Quiet Path" sensory trail.

Other interesting sites include the Nadwiślański Settlement Skansen in Wiączemin Polski, where the second Holiday Workshops of Old Trades will occur on August 4. These workshops will focus on spinning and weaving, providing visitors with insights into yarn production and the process of fabric creation.

For those seeking a break from the summer heat, the Mazovian Museum in Płock invites visitors to explore exhibitions on Art Nouveau, Art Deco, and "X Centuries of Płock."

The Museum of Mazovian Jews and the Ethnographic branch offer additional exhibits, including a collection of traditional Japanese toys, with some 300 items on show.

(rt/gs)

Source: PAP