For years at the end of June and at the beginning of July the Cracovian district of Kazimierz has filled with crowds of people because the Jewish Culture Festival is a cultural phenomenon not only in Poland but also in Europe. The Festival had a humble beginning. In the past, it was confined to an academic session and a few additional attractions, but today it is one of the most important cultural celebrations which sets standards for similar events.
This year during the festival the following artists will take part in the opening concert of cantors: Moshe Schulhof, Yaacov Lemmer, Emil Zrihan and Benzion Miller will have his guest appearance. Then, during the other concerts, the spectators will have a chance to see Daniel Kahn and his band The Painted Bird, American choir The Cantors Assembly, the band Sway Machinery and many other artists. Traditionally, on 4th July, we may expect the great final concert Shalom on Szeroka Street.
Although music seems the most important, during this year festival of Jewish culture and tradition we might participate in many other attractions. There is a cycle of meetings and lectures devoted to Judaism and the history of Jewish nation. If that isn’t enough the participants of the Festival may take part in the workshops of Jewish culture and every-day life (language, cuisine, music, architecture)or dance on Dancing Thursday (2nd/3rd July) in Drukarnia Club.
There are also two exhibitions worth mentioning. The first one, organized in the Historical Museum, presents the greatest works of Jewish literature. The second one arranged by the division of Etnographic Museum in Esterka’s House on Krakowska Street 46, shows amazing photographs by Wojciech Wilczyk.