A Weekend Full of Attractions in Pałuki (Photos)
The final event of the “Picnic under the Kujawy Sky” series was held in Kruszwica, while Żnin celebrated “Autumn in Pałuki” and the 48th Gathering of Folk Artists of the Kujawsko-Pomorskie Region. During the gathering, Vice-Marshal Zbigniew Ostrowski presented the Unitas Durat Palatinatus Cuiaviano-Pomeraniensis Medals to distinguished artists and creators. We invite you to view the photo reports from the events.
Aleksandra Zawacka was honored for outstanding achievements in decorative arts, preserving Kujawy handicraft traditions, and her many years of work for the folk artists’ community. With great precision, the artist creates traditional flowers, bouquets, wreaths, ritual rods and pająki (traditional Polish straw and paper chandeliers) from tissue paper and paper.
Józef Walczak received the medal for outstanding achievements in folk sculpture. His artistic work is deeply rooted in the region’s traditions. He considers his most important achievement to be the monumental series of 21 Rosary chapels that adorn Holy Mountain Polanowska.
The “Pałuki” Regional Folk Ensemble was also honored with the Unitas Durat Medal for 70 years of artistic activity, decades of preserving, protecting and promoting the traditional culture of Pałuki, and promoting the cultural heritage of the Kujawsko-Pomorskie Region both in Poland and abroad.
The Regional Executive Board also presented special awards to individuals whose dedication and work have been fundamental to the success of the “Pałuki” Ensemble:
- Renata Gaj-Kowalska, the ensemble’s long-serving director and choreographer,
- Henryk Kalka, accordionist and long-serving director of the “Pałuki” Ensemble’s band,
- Maria Kordyś, dancer, singer and dance instructor, who has been associated with the ensemble since 1993.
Department of Culture and National Heritage
& Press Office of the Marshal’s Office
21 September 2026
