Since Medieval times, student carnivals have taken Polish cities once a year and transformed them into a hard party scene. During the 50s Poles gave this massive event the name of Juwenalia and has been celebrated since then, except between 1977-1988 when the government banned it because it was taking political implications.
Nowadays, it is without a doubt the most expected and desired event for Polish students who after a hard year of study; celebrate this party to have a break before the summer exams. Juwenalia has spread through all Polish student cities but Krakow serves as the epicentre with its acclaimed Jagiellonian University. Even though each city has its own traditions, normally the streets are invaded by a student parade that reaches the main square where the major hands over the symbolic keys of the city. In a 4-day heavy party context, concerts, games and parades take place all across the student towns mainly for free.
It is an exciting moment for Polish cinema, now that the film Ida just won an Oscar for Best Foreign Film. Now this spring, the 13th film will be held all throughout London and the UK. Apart from a great selection of Polish cinema, there will also be innovative music and visual arts. edition of the annual celebration of Polish
From the 8th of April until the 29th of May you can follow workshops, see special guests,go to concerts and see many old and new films. This non-profit event is organized by KINOTEKA with Filmhouse Edinburgh and BFI Southbank, supported by the Polish cultural institute.
As in earlier editions, independent Polish films from very talented filmmakers from various parts of Poland were shown. This spring ́s edition, the program will contain debuts of Polish filmmakers, films of seasoned directors, contemporary Polish films from the last year and cult films as the centre of attention amongst other events by artists and musicians.
Also, this year KINOTEKA presents 21 masterpieces all perfectly restored and remastered,selected by no one less than Martin Scorsese (for those who don ́t know him: shame on you! He is the famous American director of great films like Goodfellas, Gangs of New York and the Wolf of Wall Street). The films he chose are from post-war Poland, by directors like Andrzej Wajda, Krzysztof Zanussi, Andrzej Munk, Jerzy Kawalerowicz, Wojciech Jerzy Has, Aleksander Ford, Krzysztof Kieślowski, and others.
If you happen to be one of the more than half a million Poles who live in the UK, I am sure you sometimes feel homesick. Food is one of the foremost things we miss while living abroad, and after some time you need to find your local bites somewhere. Furthermore, if you are not Polish but you are tired of hearing how amazing the Rosól, Golabki or the Bigos is and you want to experience it yourself, you should check this list of Polish restaurants that you can´t miss in London:
1. Eureka Taste: Located in the north of London, most Poles affirm that it reminds them to their grandmothers cooking. A cosy place with friendly staff and delicious dishes. In addition, portions are large at affordable prices and their delivery service is quick!
2. Baltic: Head to the south of town to try this vibrant restaurant. After enjoying any of the traditional Polish dishes, order one of their famous cocktails at the bar and let yourself go into the vivid atmosphere.
3. Tatra: A beautifully decorated place where you will be able to taste delicious Slavic dishes. The staff is super friendly and although prices are not cheap you can choose between a set menu or special offers to save up a little bit. A lovely option if you work or live in the west as the chef does also does catering!
Claimed as the best dramatic work ever done for television, this renowned Polish series of 10 chapters is celebrating its 25th anniversary. Directed by Krzysztof Kieślowski and co-written with Kieślowski in 1989 the masterpiece inspired by the Ten Commandments has won numerous international awards.
During ten intensive hours, the director touches the theme of identity in a very melancholic tone, portraying the feeling of being connected and isolated at the same time. It depicts human transformation during life and the fight amongst emotions derived from the crucial choices we are forced to make in life.
