Warsaw, 28 November 2026, Łowicka Centre
“A Day in Estonia on the Vistula” is a full-day programme of workshops, concerts and talks featuring Estonian artists, experts on Estonian culture and representatives of the Estonian Embassy in Warsaw. One of the event’s guests will be the distinguished translator Anna Michalczuk-Podlecki, with whom the International Cultural Centre has collaborated on our publishing house’s latest book, “Leśtonia”, by Valdur Mikita. Together with Kazimierz Popławski – also a translator and enthusiast of Estonian culture, and the creator of the Eesti.pl and “Przegląd Bałtycki” websites – she will lead a discussion on Estonian literature.
The “Day in Estonia on the Vistula” is organised by the KarpatART Foundation, which organises folk music concerts, workshops and cultural events. “A Day in Estonia on the Vistula” is organised by a team of volunteers who share an interest in Estonian culture and a desire to strengthen ties between Poland and Estonia. All workshops during the event are free of charge; advance registration is simply required.
An encounter with Estonian music, traditions and literature
During the workshops organised as part of the event, participants will have a unique opportunity to explore traditional Estonian culture in three areas: crafts, dance and playing musical instruments. The Day in Estonia will begin with the making of jõulukroon, straw ornaments with which Estonians decorate their homes. Everyone taking part in the workshops will be able to take their jõulukroon home with them.
“A Day in Estonia on the Vistula” will also provide an opportunity to meet well-known figures from the world of Estonian traditional music. These will include Maarja Sarv, a researcher of traditional culture, singer and dance teacher, and Ruti Enn, one of the most distinguished teachers of the Estonian accordion, along with her pupils from the N-Duur ensemble. It is Ruti Enn and the N-Duur ensemble who will be leading the workshops on playing the harmonica (karmoška). This instrument used to be found in Poland, but the tradition of playing it has faded away. The organisers believe that the visit by the Estonian musicians will inspire Polish audiences to rediscover the harmonica, and that the workshops will be an attempt to revive this tradition in our country. The workshops will be conducted in English, with translation into Polish.
A workshop on traditional group dancing to live music is also planned. Tallinna Tantsuklubi (Tallinn Dance Club), one of the most famous groups promoting folk music and dance, will teach participants the famous labajalga. Open to people of all ages, the workshop will be an opportunity to discover the unique culture of Estonian dance clubs, which have been operating in various parts of the country for 35 years. The dances performed there are primarily those that were once popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries: labajalg, polkas, waltzes, couple dances and processional dances. In the Estonian dance tradition, the most important elements are naturalness, authenticity and the joy of being together.
The next item on the programme will be the aforementioned open discussion with Anna Michalczuk-Podlecki and Kazimierz Popławski. Ms Michalczuk-Podlecki is one of the best-known translators of Estonian literature, having produced Polish translations of, amongst others, Andrus Kivirähk’s “The Man Who Spoke Snakish” and “November Currants”. Kazimierz Popławski is a journalist, columnist and expert on the Baltic Sea region, who has been involved with Estonian affairs for many years. The meeting will therefore provide a forum for discussion on Estonian literature, language and the challenges faced by translators. Following the discussion, the organisers invite you to enjoy refreshments featuring Estonian dishes and to chat with representatives from the Estonian Embassy in Warsaw.
To round off the evening, there will be a concert by the band N-Duur, accompanied by traditional Estonian dances led by guests from Tallinna Tantsuklubi. This will be followed by a performance by MandoTrio, a well-known folk band that adapts traditional Estonian music in a modern style.
Estonia at the ICC and a reflection on the country’s heritage
For many years now, the ICC has been researching Estonian culture, traditions and identity. Recently, we organised, amongst other things, a meeting with Valdur Mikita, author of the book “Leśtonia”, published by the ICC Publishing House. The publication brings together essays and sketches drawn from several of the author’s books. These were selected and translated from Estonian by Anna Michalczuk-Podlecki. “Leśtonia” will also be available during the “Day in Estonia on the Vistula”, as will the issue of our magazine “Hertio” dedicated to this country, which offers a panoramic view of Estonia: its history, culture, heritage and contemporary achievements. It is a unique guide to a country that never ceases to amaze with its innovation, but also with its deep respect for tradition and identity.
Publications
Publications
Programme:
Free events (registration required)
- 11.00–13.00 – jõulukroon-making workshop (Sabina Chechłacz)
- 13.00–15.00 – harmonica workshop (Ruti Enn & N-Duur)
- 15.00–16.00 – dance workshop (Tallinna Tantsuklubi)
- 16.00–17.00 – a discussion with Anna Michalczuk–Podlecki and Kazimierz Popławski on Estonian literature and language
- 17.00–18.00 – refreshments and conversations with guests and representatives of the Estonian Embassy
Ticketed event (50 zł in advance, 60 zł on the day)
• 18.00–21.00 – concert by N-Duur and MandoTrio, followed by a dance
The evening concert, during which the musicians will be accompanied by Tallinna Tantsuklubi, will conclude with a group dance.
Practical information:
- Date: 28 November 2026
- Venue: Łowicka Centre, 21 Łowicka Street, 02-502 Warsaw
- Admission: daytime events are free upon prior registration; the concert requires a ticket
- Tickets.
Links to the event:
A Day in Estonia on the Vistula on Facebook
Concert – more information on Facebook
