Between May 1st and 5th plac Litewski (Litewski Square) will be filled with outdoor symphonic concerts, singing, parades, theatre and dance performances under Święto Dwóch Unii (The Celebration of Two Unions). Majówka na Litewskim is a focal point of numerous events thanks to which Lublin’s residents or tourists visiting the city will celebrate the 15th anniversary of Poland’s entry to the European Union.
On May 1st, 2004, Poland entered to the European Union, setting the starting point for changes which could not be undertaken so quickly without our participation in the community. In the report by Statistics Poland (Główny Urząd Statystyczny) from the beginning of 2009, Lublin was at the forefront of Polish communes regarding the implementation of EU-funded projects, and was ranked at the 5th place in the evaluation with the amount of 4 billions zlotys.
The ceremony will start on May 1st at the City Hall at high noon by singing along “Ode to Joy” – the anthem of the EU. The slogan of this year’s May weekend in Lublin is “Święto Dwóch Unii” (The Celebration of Two Unions) reminding about the role of our city in creating the identity of EU. The Union of Lublin, which was formed 450 years ago, is a crucial part of Europe’s history, which is proved by the European Heritage Label granted to our city.
On May 1st, after singing “Ode to Joy”, every Lublin’s resident will have the opportunity to strike the Bell of Europe – the symbol of Poland’s entry to the EU. The bell was cast in the most famous bell foundry of the Felczyński family. For the last years it has been stored in the Dominican Monastery at Złota Street. Now, after the maintenance, the bell will be placed in front of the Union of Lublin monument on a special scaffolding where everyone can strike the bell and sign the memorial book. The bell will be set from the pedestrian area.
Amusements for kids were planned for the 5 days of the May weekend at plac Litewski in front of the Faculty of Political Science UMCS – there will take place Festiwal Dzieci – Piknik Europejski (Children Festival – European Picnic) organised by the Centre for Culture and Department of European Funds of the City of Lublin. Plays and games for children are also planned. Among the attractions are animations, prize quizzes, knowledge contests about the EU, large board games, glass painting, screen printing on eco bags workshops, and mini playground for the youngests.
The final event on May 1st will be the outdoor symphonic concert “Lublin for Europe” performed by the Choir of Music and Theatre Academy in Vilnius, Chamber Choir of Lublin Philharmonic and Symphony Orchestra of Henryk Wieniawski Philharmonic led by Wojciech Rodek. The artists will perform compositions by: Henryk Wieniawski, Stanisław Moniuszko, Karol Lipiński, Juozas Pakalnis and Ludwig van Beethoven. During the whole weekend at Litewski Square and also at the Centre for Culture’s patio, which is only 100 m away from the Square, everyone will be able to take part in open theatre performances prepared for children, teenagers and adults.
On May 2nd, on the Polish National Flag Day, after the official celebration, Litewski Square will become the stage of Matejko Photo Challenge conducted under Sezon Lublin (The Lublin Season). Every person will have the opportunity to impersonate into one of the characters from Jan Matejko’s picture and to play a short role on the stage. The whole event will be animated by Poławiacze Pereł Improv Teatr.
On May 3rd, after the official celebration, there will take place the Polonaise for Lublin which will waltz from the City Hall to Litewski Square where Wanda Kaniorowa Folk Song & Dance Ensemble “Lublin” and Stanisław Leszczyński Folk Dance Group at UMCS will perform. Then, the Military Orchestra of Lublin will play patriotic songs.
That evening the inauguration of multimedia fountain show will take place. This year, due to the 450th anniversary of the Union of Lublin, an extraordinary show “Unia Narodów” (The Union of Nations) was prepared, which illustrates the rich heritage of the Polish-Lithuanian Union. The performance will precede the special May Jazz concert by jazz quartet playing the music of Europe. For the club music lovers some DJ sets are waiting in the Centre for Culture’s patio.
On May 4th, on the stage will appear Teatr Seniora – Kabaret Starszych Pań i Panów with its musical performance using songs by Jeremi Przybora and music by Jerzy Wasowski, and Poławiacze Pereł Imrov Teatr which is going to stage a “Te Deum Laudamus!” performance in the Dominican Monastery at the big patio.
On May 5th, we will celebrate the 200th anniversary of Stanisław Moniuszko birthday. The program of events at Litewski Square includes numerous attractions for various age groups, for example: dance performance by children dance crews, concert of the most breathtaking Stanisław Moniuszko’s arias and songs, and the screening of “The Haunted Manor” opera by Teatr Wielki of the National Opera.

Admission is free at all events.
April 26th – May 5th, Sezon Lublin | themed walks, guided tours, workshops, on foot and bicycle trips, canoeing, city games and many more. Register at sezon.lublin.eu