2024 Wianki Festival Brings the Heat
As temperatures hit 100 degrees in what meteorologists described as the hottest summer weekend in Washington, DC, in nearly a decade, the annual Wianki Festival of Wreaths on the National Mall was gearing up for a midsummer celebration unlike any in recent memory. Amidst such heat and full sun, festival organizers came bearing extra supplies, including spray bottles and ice packs to help keep performers cool between sets, electrolyte powders and plenty of cold water to stay hydrated, and most importantly a joyful collective embrace of the hot and sunny conditions. As folk dance ensembles from across the region assembled at the foot of the Lincoln Memorial near the reflecting pool, where the annual Wianki Festival has been held for over four decades, the only question left on everyone’s mind was - how many would brave the heat to attend this year’s festivities?
Such concerns, as it turns out, were quickly put to rest as PAAA members and friends, families with children, members of the Polish-American community from the Washington Capital region and others assembled on the National Mall, to once again participate in what has become a beloved annual tradition. Guests this year naturally sought out the shade provided by trees to the side of the reflecting pool, laying out blankets with various snacks, while others congregated around the wreath making station also located in a large shaded space. This year, thanks to a generous donation of fresh flowers by the American Scandinavian Association of the National Capital Area, the wreaths turned out even more beautifully. The weather did not deter some guests, such as Jacek Soltys from Baltimore, from arriving by bicycle, accompanied by friends visiting from New Jersey who wanted to experience the magic of Wianki. For those who may not have been as familiar with the celebration at-hand, new six foot red-and-white banners and printed programs helped identify and provide guidance to attendees.
As the sun began to slowly set on this longest day of the year, the Wianki Festival was officially opened with the singing of the national anthems of the Republic of Poland and the United States of America by PAAA board member, soprano Laura Kafka-Price. Welcoming remarks were delivered by PAAA President Matthew Stefanski, Dr. Mikołaj Rychlik, Consul of the Republic of Poland, and Celia Larkin, President of the American Council for Polish Culture. This year’s Wianki festival was financially supported in part by the Department for Cooperation with Polish Diaspora and Poles Abroad of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland and a matching grant from the American Council for Polish Culture.
Among the featured performers were Ojczyzna Polish Dancers and Wiślanie Polish Folk Song and Dance Ensemble, both from Baltimore, as well as Carpathia Folk Dance Ensemble from Washington, DC, joining the festival for the first time. “Dancing in full regalia in this sun was not the easiest to put it lightly, but it was a great joy to participate in this festival” said Michael Vogue, one of the Carpathia dancers. The musical portion of the festival was led by the Joyful Skrypczuk Duo of Stasia and Olek, who this year were joined by their children Michael Skrypczuk and Sonia Skrypczuk Berrios, as well as granddaughters Isabella (5) and Gianna (3). Małgorzata Bondyra of Ojczyzna Polish Dancers also performed on the violin, and sopranos Valerie Dzielski and Laura Kafka-Price sang a selection of Polish songs.
During a surprise special presentation, PAAA President Matthew Stefanski and Vice President Celia Larkin presented PAAA Wianki Co-Chairs Marianna Eckel and Stasia and Olek Skrypczuk, with commemorative crystal plaques recognizing their years of dedication to PAAA and all their work that goes into preparing and executing the annual Wianki Festival. To learn more about these incredible individuals, read our latest newsletter available on our website. As in years past, Walter and Guadalupe Juraszek were present at this year’s festival. They met at Wianki three decades ago, proving that the magic of the summer solstice festivities can truly change your life.
With the sun fully behind the Lincoln Memorial the time approached for the awaited wreath celebration. Nearly three dozen young ladies participated this year in this age-old tradition, which was followed by a fun-filled group dancing of the Polonaise to conclude the Wianki Festival. As the Polonaise announcement was made, throngs of attendees came streaming to the performance space, creating one of the largest joyful dance circles in recent memory. Hot, tired, but with full hearts and big smiles, Wislanie, Ojczyzna, and Carpathia dancers led participants from near and far in this traditional Polish dance, capping a Wianki for the history books.