Montreal is a patchwork city, made up of small, constantly evolving neighborhoods built by Montrealers of passage, adoption or long standing. It’s a city incredibly rich in cultures, and these cultures are celebrated by everyone and by the communities that have settled on the island – whether this year or 100 years ago.
Without dividing the city into neatly divided communities of immigrants and natives (because it’s much more diverse and complicated than that), you can wander the streets of Montreal and see the history of Irish immigrant workers in Griffintown, black communities and jazz in Little Burgundy, Yiddish immigrants in Mile End…
And this weekend, June 7, Polski Piknik will celebrate Polish culture and traditions, as well as the Polish community in Montreal, at Parc LaFontaine.
Polski Piknik
“Polski Piknik is Polish for “Polish Picnic”. This is the first time the piknik has been held in Parc LaFontaine, and this is its 7th edition. It’s become a Montreal tradition, for Montrealers of Polish origin and others – a celebration of Polish culture, cuisine and immigrants.
Polish culture is rich, joyful and colorful. This year, there will be local artists performing dance and music shows, and cultural workshops.
In the evening, there’ll be a DJ set by Lydia Képinski and a Polish party under the stars to round off the piknik .
What to eat…
And, of course, we’re going to eat very, very well. We recommend fasting on Friday evening, because if you’re not Polish, you’ll have to make room to sample everything…
At “Resto Polski Piknik”, there will be pierogi (little turnovers with cabbage, potatoes and meat, served with fried onions and sour cream), the famous Polish sausages, smoked meat, sauerkraut cabbage and pączki, doughnuts with cream or jam.
Wedel: Touch of Europe and Pyza Foods will also have delicacies stands.
There will also be the iconic Polish beer Żywiec, Polish vodka (for digestion) and, of course, vegetarian and alcohol-free options.
What’s on…
There will be performances by the White Eagle Folk Dance Academy and Tatry Polish Folk Ensemble at 1 and 2:30 p.m., as well as rock, blues, traditional folk, turbo-folk and DJ sets until late.
This year, there will be a “Polish Community Corner” featuring community organizations and local initiatives highlighting and showcasing Montreal’s Polish community.
Practical info
When will the event take place? Saturday, June 7, from 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Where? Parc LaFontaine, next to the tennis courts, near the corner of Papineau & Sherbrooke
How? free admission
The program is here;
11:00 | Król Maciuś Pierwszy – Polish Pop-Rock
12:00 | Blues & Plus – Polish Blues
13:00 | Polish Dance Groups
13:10 White Eagle Folk Dance Academy
13:40 Tatry Polish Folklore Ensemble
14:00 | Opening Ceremony
14:30 | Polish Dance Groups
14:30 White Eagle Folk Dance Academy
15:00 Tatry Polish Folklore Ensemble
17:00 | Briga – Turbo Folk
18:00 | OneDay – Classic Rock
19:00 | Johnny Zatylny is Freddie Mercury
20:00 | Lydia Képinski (DJ set)
21:00 | DJ Krys Polish party under the stars (presented by dominiontshirt.com)
and for more info, visit the event website -here!
Happy Polski Piknik!