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The Festival of Three Cultures in Włodawa

The Festival of Three Cultures refers to the history of Włodawa, the town situated on the Polish-Ukrainian border where 13,000 people live. A Catholic church, a synagogue and an Orthodox church stand next to each other in the center of the town. The festival reminds of Włodawa’s historical past and shows that different cultures and religions can mingle and coexist together. In the 18th century synagogue the Museum of Pojezierze Łęczyńsko-Włodawskie is now located. Nearby there is the St Louis Church built in the first half of the 18th century. In turn, the orthodox church, dedicated to the Birth of the Blessed Virgin Mary, dates back to the 19th century. These architectural souvenirs symbolize the long-term existence of Catholic, Orthodox and Jewish cultures.

This year, the festival was held for the eleventh time. From 10th to 12th of September the audience could observe characteristic features of every culture that had left its imprints on the present shape of Włodawa. “The order of the Pauline Fathers has returned to the town, and the Orthodox church still has many believers. The synagogues of Włodawa are being restored and we really care for the cultivation of the Jewish tradition”, said Marek Bem, the director of the museum. During the three days of the festival the streets of Włodawa were crowded with jugglers, mimes and magicians, appreciated particularly by the youngest residents of the town. Friday, September 10, was the day of Jewish culture. The program included the cabaret performance by the Jewish Theater from Warsaw. Michał Piróg, the famous dancer and choreographer, taught dancing, while Nina Stiller performed a concert of Jewish songs named “Raisins and Almonds”. During the spectacle people could also hear Yiddish songs of Ashkenazi Jews.