Along with revelry, Polish Fest honors rebirth of Poland in 1918
Milwaukee’s Polish Fest has an extra reason to celebrate heritage and culture this weekend. This year is the 100th anniversary of the rebirth of Poland as a nation in 1918.
So, in addition to polkas, pierogi and pisanki (beautifully decorated eggs), this year Polish’s Fest, which takes place Friday through Sunday at Maier Festival Park, 200 N. Harbor Drive, will serve a slate of culture and historical talks.
In the late 18th century, the PolishLithuanian Commonwealth had been partitioned by other European powers, disappearing from the political map in 1795 (though not from the hearts of Poles, or the efforts of partisans). Nearing the end of World War I, Poland returned to life as a sovereign state with the Second Polish Republic in 1918.
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee history professor Neal Pease will discuss “100 Years of U.S.-Polish Relations, 1918-2018” at 4 p.m. Friday.
Pease and UWM Professor Emeritus Donald Pienkos will discuss the centennial at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, followed by a Pienkos talk on key figures in the rebirth at 3:30 p.m.
Also Saturday, UWM Professor Emerita Helena Pycior will talk about the legacy of Polish native Marie Curie, the first scientist to win two Nobel Prizes, at 1:30 p.m.
The Syrena Polish Folk Dance Ensemble of Milwaukee and Poland’s Warszawa Dance Group will perform daily during the festival.
The Chopin Youth Piano Competition will feature both junior (ages 10 through 14) and senior (15 through 18) musicians playing polonaises and other compositions by the Polish composer. Visit the Cultural Stage at 3 p.m. Sunday.
Hours: Noon to midnight Friday and Saturday, noon to 8 p.m. Sunday
Admission: $12 at the gate, $10 for seniors 55 and older; children 15 and younger get in free
Discounts: 50-cent admission from noon to 5 p.m. Friday, $5 admission Friday after 5 p.m. Free admission Sunday (Father’s Day) for dads accompanied by their child of any age.
Mass: Begins with a prelude at 10 a.m. Sunday. Gates open at 9:30 a.m. Fireworks: 10:30 p.m. Saturday Capuchin Run-Walk for the Hungry: 6 p.m. Friday. Info at T8upJ8. Info: polishfest.org