Poznań has once again become the capital of goodness. Looking back on yesterday’s 32nd St Martin’s Day celebrations.
Joyful, safe, friendly and delicious: that’s how everyone celebrated in Poznań on 11th November. The beauty of Poznań traditions, the joy of a shared heritage and the pride in values that the city shares with the whole country and the world were all showcased during the 32nd St Martin’s Day celebrations. Nearly 500 people took part in the parade, which was the main event of the day.
Luckily, everyone could also enjoy the pleasant weather. Although cold, this year it did not rain, allowing visitors to take part in all the planned activities. Visitors were able to relish the delicious rogale świętomarcińskie, listen to concerts featuring a varied line-up of artists, including the evening’s headline act Nosowska, and watch the colourful parade.
Throughout the day, from the opening of the gates to the Imieninowe Miasteczko (Name Day Village) until the festivities came to an end, Święty Marcin Street welcomed between 50,000 and 60,000 guests. The main parade itself attracted an estimated 10,000 spectators on site. The celebrations took place in a safe, comfortable and accessible atmosphere, sending plenty of goodwill from Poznań out into the world.
Anna Hryniewiecka, Director of CK ZAMEK, said:
“We are truly proud that it was here at the ZAMEK Cultural Centre in Poznań, over 30 years ago, that this unique local tradition of celebrating St Martin’s Street Name Day was born, a tradition that has become a cherished part of Poznań’s heritage and a phenomenon that sets us apart from other cities. We feel that, together with the people of Poznań, we create this festival - and that is precisely where its greatest value lies.”
A new route for Poznań’s much-loved parade
The highlight of this year’s celebrations was the traditional parade, which followed a new route through the Name Day Village. Proceedings began when an actor portraying St Martin received the keys to the city from the Mayor of Poznań, officially setting the festivities in motion.
Nearly 500 participants, many of whom had spent months preparing their costumes and floats, took part in the procession. Among the familiar sights was the iconic Bamberka, alongside numerous references to the city's history and identity. Rogale świętomarcińskie, the traditional music of Wielkopolska and figures from Poznań's past all featured. The parade also paid tribute to the workers of the Cegielski factory and recalled the visit of Ignacy Jan Paderewski, represented on a balcony.
There were contemporary themes, too. Environmental references included a Warta River filled with fish, while a humorous installation featuring the words “inhale” and “exhale” encouraged everyone to take a moment to appreciate the good atmosphere. Sports groups joined the procession, accompanied by live music from marching bands and orchestras. The whole parade moved to a lively rhythm, greeted by enthusiastic applause from the crowds lining the route.
The procession ended on a musical note with a performance by Chór Pogłosy. The choir presented a specially composed piece by Sambor Dudziński, featuring lyrics created during literary workshops for young people.
The new route provided more space for both participants and spectators, making the procession safer and more comfortable to enjoy. There were also additional ways to follow the event. The parade was broadcast on a large screen beside the main stage and inside the Great Hall at CK ZAMEK, with an online transmission allowing people further afield to watch. It was another way for Poznań to share the celebrations and its message of goodwill with audiences around the world.
The Name Day Village brought Święty Marcin to life
The celebrations extended well beyond the parade, with activities taking place throughout the day in the Name Day Village and inside CK ZAMEK.
One of the more unusual attractions was a historic MPK tram parked at the Zamek tram stop. It quickly filled with visitors keen to discover more about the city's past. Three Tram Women from the Museum of Poznań June 1956 were on board, sharing stories about the events of June 1956 and an important chapter in the city's history.
The St Martin's Fair was another major attraction, drawing large crowds throughout the day. Visitors could browse a wide selection of certified rogale świętomarcińskie, the traditional pastry so closely associated with the occasion, alongside handmade products and original crafts created by local makers and artisans.
There were also plenty of opportunities to support good causes. The Charity Street brought together non-governmental organisations, offering visitors an insight into their work and the many ways they contribute to the community. Handmade gifts, traditional pastries and warming soup were available to buy, with the proceeds and attention helping to support the organisations taking part. It was a reminder that the spirit of St Martin's Day extends beyond the festivities themselves.
The Open Courtyard in front of the Castle was equally lively. During the day, the Poligrodzianie folk dance group performed a traditional polonaise, inviting visitors to join in. As evening arrived, a fire show took place against the illuminated façade of the Castle.
Inside the Castle's impressive entrance passage, visitors could also dress up in St Martin's robes and have a souvenir photograph taken on a genuine imperial throne. Outside, two large-scale decorations proved particularly popular as photo opportunities: an enormous calendar page and a St Martin's chariot.
A full day of music, from family favourites to Nosowska
Music played an important role throughout the celebrations, with the main stage hosting performances for different tastes and generations.
The programme began with Ptaszkowie Śpiewali, a duo whose nature-inspired music captured the attention of younger and older audiences alike. The energetic young rapcore band Czemoo followed, before performances by Smolik and Kev Fox.
The evening belonged to Nosowska, whose solo performance attracted several thousand fans in front of the main stage. Her appearance provided a fitting finale to a day that had brought together traditional Polish culture, contemporary music and a lively city-centre atmosphere.
Inside CK ZAMEK: traditions, exhibitions and activities for families
The programme continued throughout the day inside the historic walls of CK ZAMEK, where visitors could discover another side of Poznań's cultural heritage.
The Great Hall hosted a variety of performances inspired by local traditions, including Wielkopolska bagpipe music and the distinctive Poznań dialect, known as gwara poznańska. Circus performances added to the entertainment, while families could take part in games and activities in the Castle's historic rooms.
One particularly popular initiative was organised in cooperation with Poczta Polska. Visitors were invited to create their own postcards, which they could either send to friends and family or leave on a large communal display. The board gradually filled with greetings and messages of thanks from people visiting from across Poland and different parts of the world. It offered a lovely snapshot of the connections made during the celebrations and showed just how far Poznań's message of goodwill could travel.
Art and cinema were also part of the programme. Visitors could explore three temporary exhibitions, including the well-received The World as a Herbarium: Nature in Art from the 17th to the 21st Century, which remains open until 6th December 2026. Kino Pałacowe also hosted a showcase of Polish films.
Organisers made sure that the event catered for different needs. A dedicated quiet room was available for anyone who needed a break from the noise, lights and crowds, while other historic rooms provided comfortable spaces to rest and warm up before heading back outside.
Accessibility was an important consideration throughout the celebrations. Hearing loops were provided, a viewing platform was available beneath the main stage for wheelchair users, and audio descriptions were offered for concerts and performances. These provisions helped make the event welcoming and accessible to a wider range of visitors.
Poznań's November tradition continues
This year's St Martin's Street Name Day celebrations demonstrated how Poland's National Independence Day can be marked through a shared celebration of culture, community and local identity.
From the traditional parade and the unmistakable taste of rogale świętomarcińskie to live music, local crafts, charitable initiatives and activities inside CK ZAMEK, the day brought together many different aspects of what makes Poznań distinctive.
The celebrations also showed the importance of a tradition that has grown from a local initiative into one of the city's most recognisable annual events. For residents, it is an opportunity to reconnect with familiar customs and shared history. For people discovering Poznań, it offers an insight into the city's character and the warmth of its community.
CK ZAMEK has already extended an invitation for next year's celebrations. As always, the date is 11th November.
