The official opening of the 764th St. Dominic's Fair took place on Saturday, 27 July. The official part, which was the handover of the city key to the merchants, was preceded and crowned by an artistic part. The St. Dominic's Fair will last until 18 August. Exhibitors will be available daily from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM. The exception will be the gastronomic zone on Fridays and Saturdays, which will be open until 9:00 PM. See you at the Festival of Wonders!
The sounds emanating from the Carillon officially inaugurated the 764th St. Dominic's Fair. The Opening Ceremony, partnered by Energa from the ORLEN Group, began with a genre scene, in which the main roles were played by actresses: Katarzyna Bujakiewicz – a tourist, and Dorota Stefańska – a resident of Gdańsk. All this was accompanied by actors from the Gdańsk Archipelago of Culture and the Gdańsk Garrison.
After the artistic part, it's time for the official part.
The fair that is about to begin is the result of a beautiful story, a tradition that began with the Dominican friars. I am glad that we can continue this tradition, because our city is very deeply rooted in history. However, it is a history to which we always add a touch of modernity," she said. Aleksandra Dulkiewicz, Mayor of Gdańsk.
– The fair is, of course, about traders, about artists, but it's also about conversation, meeting another person. It's a discussion on very important topics at our various stops, including the equality stop located on Heweliusz Square – added the Mayor of Gdańsk.
The official part of the opening was crowned by the Mayor of Gdańsk handing over the key to the city to Paul Orłowski, the Vice-President of the Gdańsk International Fair, the organiser of the event, and playing the fair's fanfare, which from this year consists of 764 notes.
At this point, the merchants „took over” the Main and Old Town in Gdańsk, and the celebrations began. A parade of colourful figures, led by Hermes, moved down Długa Street. Unexpectedly, he became its central figure – proposing to Fortuna. However, this was not part of the script. In their private lives, the actors playing these roles are a couple. And as of Saturday, they are engaged. This is Gdańsk's festival of wonders!
At the start of this event, we want to remember the Brothers who had the courage to propose this fair to the city of Gdańsk and to see how wonderfully this idea, this event, has developed. And I think we can wish for our reality, which we see around us, to even exceed our dreams and imaginations. Welcome to St. Dominic's Fair – said Fr. Michael Osek OP, Prior of the Order of St. Dominic in Gdańsk.
The parade arrived at Równość Stop, where the official opening of a part of the St. Dominic's Fair also took place at Heweliusz Square. A new feature was the official start of each stop individually: Przystanek Smaków (Flavours Stop) – with the opening of the first fair stalls, Przystanek Przygoda z AmberSky (Adventure with AmberSky Stop) – after the appearance of the mascot parade, which had set off earlier from Równość Stop, Przystanek Retro (Retro Stop) – with a fashion show from the 70s and 80s of the last century, and finally Przystanek Port Gdańsk pod Żaglami (Gdańsk Port Under Sails Stop) – with a concert by Pan B.
Wandering through the streets of Gdańsk, you will see street names that were once given by the artisans' guild. They illustrate the greatness of Gdańsk, which was built thanks to merchants, thanks to trade and thanks to artisans. You have a great opportunity today, ladies and gentlemen, to see not only the merchants trading, but also the crafts – he said Mieczysław Struk, Marshal of the Pomeranian Voivodeship.
– Every street in Gdańsk is now beautiful, filled with joyful people who want to talk to one another, who want to meet, sometimes buy something or sell something. We warmly welcome everyone to the Fair, in the very heart of Gdańsk – added the Marshal.
THE FIRST WEEK OF THE ST. DOMINIC'S FAIR
This year's Fair boasts 760 stalls manned by 613 exhibitors, of whom 210 are from Pomerania, including 130 from Gdańsk. 18 world cuisines, handicrafts, various kinds of art, collector's items, antiques and fashion – all of this can be found in the fair's stalls. The Fair also features an artistic and cultural section with over 150 events on the daily programme.
– In the very heart of the city, which combines history with modernity, the Festival of Wonders begins. Yes, it is St. Dominic's Fair. It is a celebration of craft, art, trade and taste. But above all, it is a celebration of being together, of meetings. We encourage this and hope to see you at the many fair stops, of which there are five in total. I wish everyone a good time – he said. Paweł Orłowski, Vice-President of the Gdańsk International Fair.
Starting this Sunday, you can head to Przystanek Równość for the Bread Festival. This year's 29th edition of the event will take place at Heweliusz Square, offering numerous attractions and tastings of delicious bread and confectionery products. The programme on stage and in the programme tents will accompany visitors from 10 AM to 5 PM. The XXIX Bread Festival in Gdańsk is funded by the Grain and Cereal Products Promotion Fund. More at jarmarkswdominika.pl/special-events/bread-festival/
On Monday, Równość Bus Stop will also host Art Day. Visitors can look forward to open-air painting and stories about Cistercians, organised in collaboration with the House of Pestilence. There will also be an opportunity to take part in the ”Fun with Yarn' workshop. The organisers invite all senior citizens to join in the fun. It will be interesting, colourful, and simply great!
At Przystanek Przygoda with AmberSky, you can participate in Spectacular Mondays – The Sunday Olympics. It’s a day packed with activity and fun! Fitness and strength will be tested in an Olympic-style competition. Those who are keen can look forward to disciplines such as judo or football, an obstacle course, and many other sporting challenges.
Monday will close the screening at the Summer Cinema at Przystanek Port Gdańsk pod Żaglami. The first film to be shown on the outdoor screen will be „Family for Rent”.
Przystanek Retro will be filled on Tuesday with a conversation about objects with soul from „Treasure Hunters” – Joanna Lewandowska, Łukasz Barucha, and Arkadiusz Woźniak. Following them will be an antiques auction. Slightly different topics will be discussed at Przystanek Przygoda with AmberSky, during a literary meeting with Anna Nisiewicz.
From Wednesday, you can visit the Live more. Pomerania stand at Przystanek Równość. This initiative is coordinated by Invest in Pomerania. Its aim is to highlight the attractions of the Pomeranian Voivodeship in other regions and abroad by promoting its opportunities for work, study, and living.
The project presents the offer of the Pomeranian labour market in key, developing sectors. It builds bridges between business and science, works towards improving professional qualifications and building dream career paths.
They also conduct activities for the migrant community, supporting their relocation and integration process through education and the organisation of a series of meetings for them.
Live more. Pomerania showcases broad career prospects intertwined with an exciting lifestyle. It's not just a job market, it's a vibrant playground for innovation. Pomerania is a region that blends cutting-edge technology and start-up fervour with a lively cultural heritage seasoned by sand, wind, and water.
Wednesday will be rounded off by Anna Jopek and Jakub Klemensiewicz – a duo of young artists who will perform at Przystanek Port Gdańsk pod Żaglami.
On Thursday, among other things, Miniatura Theatre and the performance „Little Red Riding Hood” at Przystanek Przygoda with AmberSky, or the first edition of Jarmarkowa Kuźnia Talentów at Przystanek Równość.
These are just some of the suggestions from the rich daily programme of the St. Dominic's Fair. The detailed schedule is available on the website https://jarmarkswdominika.pl/program/
MAIN SPONSOR OF THE FAIR – AMBERSKY INVITES YOU TO DAILY ENTERTAINMENT FOR YOUNG AND OLD
AmberSky is the first ever St. Dominic's Fair titular partner of Przystanek – Przystanek Przygoda z AmberSky. It is there that we will find, among other things, the Permanent Attractions Zone provided by the event's main sponsor: a maze with riddles, a sensory cube, a relaxation zone, string art creation, an adventurer's passport, a dream wall, Treasure Hunter – a rapid river rafting – a house with a VR simulator, and the Gdańsk Carousel. The permanent attractions also include the AmberSky Ferris Wheel and the Spinning Barrels spinning coaster, which can be found on Ołowianka.
It is worth adding that every Saturday of the Fair, at 21:00, AmberSky invites you to a light and music show at the Ferris Wheel.
