During an anniversary gala, the committee’s chairman, Marcin Święcicki, said that funds raised through annual campaigns have enabled the restoration of around 1,700 tombstones and chapels.
Among these are 110 gravestones along the Avenue of the Meritorious—the final resting place of celebrated writers, actors, musicians and public figures—as well as 11 tombstones of Fryderyk Chopin’s family members and the graves of pre-World War II Speakers of the Polish parliament.
The Social Committee for the Protection of Warsaw’s Old Powązki Cemetery was founded in 1974 by music critic Jerzy Waldorff, who served as its chairman for 25 years until his death in December 1999.
Over the past 50 years, the committee has been a vital force in conserving the cemetery, which dates back to 1792 and is known for its remarkable tombstones, many of which are considered works of art.
Poles traditionally visit family graves to lay flowers and light candles on All Saints' Day on November 1 and All Souls' Day on November 2.
This year the fundraising drive at the Powązki Cemetery will be held for three days, from November 1 to November 3.
More than 200 people, mostly actors and media personalities, will be collecting money for future renovation projects.
Polish actor Daniel Olbrychski helping raise funds for the renovation of tombstones at Warsaw's historic Powązki Cemetery on All Saints' Day, Nov. 1, 2022. Photo: PAP/Tomasz Gzell
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