November 2024 in Zakopane is a month full of events that blend tradition, culture, and sports in a unique mountainous setting. The autumn scenery of Podhale will create a magical backdrop for initiatives like the 106th Independence Anniversary, charity events for preserving historic tombs, and music and sports festivals. Throughout the month, Zakopane will become a venue for meetings for lovers of history, art, and outdoor activities.
31st Muzykanckie Zoduski – Tribute to Deceased Musicians of Podhale
“Muzykanckie Zoduski” will take place in Zakopane on Sunday, November 3 at 10:00 AM. This unique event organized by the Podhale Union Zakopane Branch aims to honor the memory of Podhale’s musicians who have left a lasting imprint on the region’s culture. The celebrations will begin with a Holy Mass in memory of the deceased musicians at the Cmentarz Zasłużonych (Cemetery of the Distinguished) at Pęksowy Brzyzek, after which flowers will be laid at the cemetery entrance and on the grave of the legendary Jan Krzeptowski Sabała. Participants will then visit the graves of other distinguished musicians, paying homage to their artistic legacy.
After the cemetery ceremony, participants will proceed to “Bioła Izba” at Kościuszki 2 for traditional gatherings. This meeting will be an opportunity to reminisce and share stories about the late musicians whose works remain deeply etched in Podhale’s history. “Muzykanckie Zoduski” is a moment of reflection, community, and celebration of highlander heritage that unites generations and emphasizes the importance of local traditions in the heart of highlander culture.
XXXII Charity Collection for the Preservation of Historic Tombstones – Zakopane
On November 1 and 2, 2024, the 32nd annual Charity Collection for the Preservation of Historic Tombstones will take place at Zakopane’s cemeteries – the Cemetery of the Distinguished at Pęksowy Brzyzek and the New Cemetery on Nowotarska Street. This event is organized by the Society for the Protection of Monuments, Stanisław Witkiewicz Podhale Branch.
The collection aims to support conservation and maintenance work on historic tombstones, including those at Pęksowy Brzyzek, where previous years’ efforts helped restore the monuments of Władysław Hasior, Józef and Zofia Fedorowicz, and Józefa from the Morawski family. We warmly invite all visitors to Zakopane’s cemeteries to support this wonderful initiative and contribute to the preservation of local cultural heritage.
Ceremonial Observance of the 106th Independence Anniversary in Zakopane
November 11 is a remarkable day in Poland’s history, commemorating the regaining of independence after 123 years of partitions. This year’s celebrations in Zakopane include official ceremonies and a series of accompanying events to mark this historic occasion.
Main Ceremonies – November 11 (Monday)
- 10:00 AM – Ceremonies at the Legionary Quarters New Cemetery, Nowotarska 37c
- 12:00 PM – “Niepodległa do hymnu” – Holy Mass for the Nation National Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fatima, Krzeptówki 14
- 1:00 PM – Placement of the urn with soil from Majdanek at the Cross – National Memorial Site National Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fatima, Krzeptówki 14
Accompanying Events
November 8 | Friday
- 10:30 AM – 31st Independence Relay Run in Honor of Marshal Józef Piłsudski, “School to the Hymn” Organizer: Primary School No. 4, Józef Piłsudski, Zakopane – Olcza
November 11 | Monday
- 11:00 AM – Road Veterans Independence Parade, starting at: Camping Pod Krokwią Organizer: Tatra Motor Club
- 11:30 AM – Zakopane Integration Independence Run – 400 m
- 12:05 PM – 11th Zakopane Independence Run – distance 5 km
- 12:08 PM – Nordic Walking March – 5 km Organizer: Zakopane Municipal Sports and Recreation Center
November 13 | Wednesday
- 3:00 PM – Award Ceremony for the Art Contest “Tatra Couriers. Heroes of the Wartime Trails” Museum Palace, Chałubińskiego 7 Organizer: Tatra Museum, Dr. Tytus Chałubiński
11th Zakopane Independence Run – Run for Freedom
On November 11, 2024, at 11:30 AM on Górna Równia Krupowa in Zakopane, the 11th Zakopane Independence Run will be held. This special sporting event invites participants to run a 5 km route in the heart of the Tatra Mountains, symbolically commemorating the regaining of independence.
Organized by the Zakopane Municipal Sports and Recreation Center, the run is a perfect opportunity to celebrate this important day actively in a place where freedom was first felt! Details and registration are available on the website www.mosir.zakopane.eu.
Dance Theater – Year-Round Workshops for Youth in Zakopane
The St. I. Witkiewicz Theater in Zakopane invites youth aged 12 and up to year-round Dance Theater workshops, led by actress Agnieszka Michalik-Jońska. The aim of the workshops is to create a unique performance dominated by the language of dance and movement. A chosen literary work or topic will serve as the starting point for improvisation and choreography creation. During the workshops, young artists will explore various movement techniques, work with props, music, and text, preparing short theater pieces.
The workshops are held every Wednesday from November 5 to 26 at 4:30 PM at Chramcówki 15 in Zakopane. Registration is required; the form is available on the organizer’s website.
Mountain Feathers – Meeting for the 120th Birthday of Jan Sztaudynger
On the occasion of the 120th birthday of Jan Izydor Sztaudynger, renowned poet and epigram writer, the Tatra Museum invites everyone to a meeting dedicated to his work at the Opolanka Reading Club. This unique event will be held on November 7 at 6:00 PM at the Kornel Makuszyński Museum, a branch of the Tatra Museum on Kazimierza Przerwa-Tetmajer Street in Zakopane.
During the meeting, Dorota Sztaudynger from the “Fraszka” Association and Kinga Nędza-Sikoniowska from the Tatra Museum will talk about Sztaudynger’s inspirations drawn from Zakopane and his way of capturing the Tatras and their inhabitants in witty, concise epigrams. Participants are encouraged to bring their favorite works by the poet to share in a joint discussion of his oeuvre. Free admission, supported by the Tatra Museum.
Polki Folki XIII – Happiness, Folk, Passion, and Emotions on the Catwalk in Zakopane
On November 8, 2024, the 13th edition of Polki Folki, Poland’s largest folk fashion show, will take place at Nosalowy Dwór Resort & Spa in Zakopane, organized by the Made in Podhale Foundation. This event, which annually attracts over 650 enthusiasts of folk culture and modern fashion, will once again blend traditional motifs with the latest trends, showcasing the beauty of Polish folklore in a brand-new light.
Under the theme “Happiness, Folk, Passion, and Emotions,” 10 renowned designers will present their collections, inspired by folklore and creating extraordinary outfits that merge heritage with modernity. The show will be enriched by live performances from acclaimed artists, immersing the audience in a folk atmosphere with a touch of modern arrangements. The event, which does not require reservations or entry fees, will take place in the elegant interiors of Nosalowy Dwór, providing the perfect backdrop for this unique fusion of fashion and art.
Anna Schumacher “Cabinet of Curiosities. Collection of Feelings” – Painting and Graphics Exhibition
From November 9 to December 6, 2024, the City Art Gallery named after Count Zamoyski at Krupówki 41 in Zakopane will host the exhibition “Cabinet of Curiosities. Collection of Feelings” by Anna Schumacher, a painter and illustrator whose works captivate with depth and expressiveness. The opening, scheduled for November 8 at 5:00 PM, will present the artist’s latest pieces that blend subtle emotions with ambiguous objects, creating a unique Kunstkammer – a cabinet of curiosities of feelings and imagination.
Anna Schumacher, a Zakopane artist with a rich body of work and years of experience, explores the significance of the color blue, drawing inspiration from the history of collecting and European symbolism of colors. In her large, expressive paintings that often treat the canvas roughly, she expresses a deep universality of emotions, questioning boundaries and opening new creative paths. Admission is free, with an invitation from the City Art Gallery and Zakopane Cultural Center.
Anna Stasińska “Rybka” and Band – Jazz Evening in Zakopane
On November 9, 2024, at 6:00 PM, Stacja Kultura Zakopane (Chramcówki 35) invites everyone to a jazz evening featuring Anna Stasińska “Rybka” and her band. In the café Kawa & Kultura, the young trio will perform jazz standards such as “Fly Me to the Moon,” “Summertime,” and “My Funny Valentine,” as well as popular songs from Polish and international repertoires.
Anna Stasińska, a talented vocalist, is a student at High School No. 3 in Nowy Targ and the State Music School named after F. Chopin. Filip Gąsiorowski, a pianist, is associated with the Krakow jazz scene, while bassist Krzysztof Mysona, a graduate of the Academy of Music in Krakow, has won numerous jazz competition awards. Free admission.
24th International Mountain Festival “DniLajtowe” – A Gathering of Mountain Enthusiasts in Zakopane
From November 9 to 11, 2024, the Nosalowy Dwór Resort & Spa in Zakopane will host the 24th International Mountain Festival “DniLajtowe”. This annual gathering of mountain lovers, organized by the Polish Alpine Sports Club Association, attracts professional mountaineers, travelers, and mountain adventure enthusiasts. This year’s edition will offer meetings with legendary figures from the mountaineering world, workshops, lectures, and a guided tour in the Tatras by Krzysztof Wielicki and Denis Urubko.
For nearly 25 years, “DniLajtowe” has gathered the greatest names in mountaineering, including Reinhold Messner, Kinga Baranowska, Piotr Pustelnik, and many other renowned climbers and alpinists. The full event program and ticket details are available on the festival’s website: www.dnilajtowe.com/program.
Reminder of Ongoing Events
Exhibition “First Things” – Unique Folk Costumes at Villa Oksza
Until November 17, 2024, the Zakopane Art Gallery at Villa Oksza presents the unique exhibition “First Things.” The exhibition showcases unique folk costumes from the collection of Stanisław Konstanty Drohojowski, bringing closer the culture of Podhale, Spisz, and the Rus of Szlachtowska. This is an excellent opportunity to view some of the oldest items from the Tatra Museum collection. The exhibition is open daily from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM, and tickets can be purchased on-site.
Exhibition “Zamoyscy – Granary of Values” – The History of Count Władysław Zamoyski
Through the end of the year in Kuźnice, Zakopane, you can visit the exhibition “Zamoyscy – Granary of Values,” dedicated to Count Władysław Zamoyski, named Patron of the Year 2024. This is a unique opportunity to learn about this extraordinary man and his invaluable contributions to the development of Zakopane and the preservation of the Tatras. The exhibition, free to visitors, is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
“ECHOES OF THE UNSEEN” – The History of Oppression in Photography
Until February 28, 2025, you can view the exhibition “ECHOES OF THE UNSEEN” at the new branch of the Tatra Museum, Museum Palace (Chałubińskiego 7). Ukrainian artist Valentyn Odnoviun’s photographic series documents places related to the history of oppression, such as former Gestapo and NKVD prisons, showcasing fragments of cells and control spaces in Poland, Ukraine, Lithuania, Latvia, and Germany.
“Cloud Scrapers. Anna Schumacher – Painting. Lithography” – Exhibition at the Władysław Hasior Gallery
Until December 1, 2024, the Władysław Hasior Gallery (Jagiellońska 18b) is hosting the exhibition “Cloud Scrapers. Anna Schumacher – Painting. Lithography.” The artist explores the theme of clouds and climatic phenomena, contrasting soft, colorful clouds with the geometric mountain peaks symbolizing the “fifth element” – the quintessence. The series, begun in 2022, combines traditional oil painting and lithography, creating a unique dialogue between art and nature. Free admission as part of the Tatra Museum’s promotion.
“Sapphire Sacred by Grażyna Marusarz” – Exhibition at Villa Czerwony Dwór
From October 12 to December 5, 2024, the Zakopane Cultural Center at Villa Czerwony Dwór (Kasprusie Street) presents the exhibition “Sapphire Sacred by Grażyna Marusarz.” Zakopane artist Marusarz showcases painting on thick glass, often depicting saints, Our Lady of Ludźmierz, and Jaworzynska against characteristic sapphire-blue backgrounds. Admission is free, organized by the Zakopane Cultural Center.
