Family and friends: a central place
Poles are very sociable, and above all very family- and friend-oriented. They enjoy sharing quality time with them, at parties and dinners. The home (in the literal sense of the word) is important to Poles, as it is often the scene of convivial and intimate moments. These are traditionally maintained by women, although this trend is changing (as in many other European countries), with the increase in the number of working women and the evolution of mentalities, mainly driven by the younger generations. Ties with the extended family (grandparents, uncles/aunts, cousins) are very close. Poles appreciate celebrating life's big moments, such as birthdays, christenings and weddings, with all family members. These special moments bring people closer together and strengthen intra-family ties. Close friends of the household are also often considered part of the family. Thus, outings or moments shared with friends are as much appreciated by Poles as family gatherings. Many have long-standing friendships with classmates they met at school. Indeed, stable, lasting and deep friendships are preferred to superficial relationships. Poles' circle of friends is therefore often small, but made up of reliable, stable and loyal people.
Living on culture!
Polish culture is rich in history dating back over a thousand years. Poles attach great importance to culture in their daily lives and as part of their national identity. In fact, they love to share their various aspects with foreigners curious to learn more about their cultural heritage. From music and dance to literature, art and architecture, Poland is rich in discoveries! The country has a strong tradition of opera, musical theater and ballet, and is home to a host of structures supporting musical creation. One of the most notable is surely the Warsaw National Opera, followed by the Operas of Wrocław, Poznań, Łódź and Szczecin. Numerous classical music and opera festivals take place in the territory every year, such as the Jarosław International Early Music Festival, the Warsaw International Chamber Music and Opera Festival, or the Bydgoszcz Opera Festival. These events are all opportunities for Poles to enjoy festive moments with family and/or friends.
The presence of great Polish composers, such as Frédéric Chopin, fosters interest in classical music in Poland. The renowned composer is a true national pride. His work and person are regularly celebrated through concerts, festivals and annual piano competitions. Warsaw also boasts a national museum retracing his history. You can find out more about Chopin in the "In Chopin's Footsteps" section of this guide.
Although he is the best-known Polish composer, Chopin is not the only one to be appreciated in Poland. Bach, Beethoven, Schubert and Mozart are just some of the great artists that Poles love to listen to and celebrate. Beyond classical music, rock and pop are also popular in Poland. Rap, meanwhile, has gradually established itself in the country's musical landscape over the past few years. Very attached to their traditions, Poles attach particular importance to their folk music. Klezmer (originally from Central and Eastern Europe) is a musical tradition of Ashkenazi Jews, and is one of the musical styles popularized in the country thanks to renowned groups such as Max Klezmer Band. Last but not least, the electronic music scene is pretty solid. Berlin's clubs, a veritable bastion of electro, influence the Polish scene and many others in Europe.
Sports and outdoor activities!
Like culture, sport is very popular with Poles. Soccer, for example, is the country's most popular sport. The national championship, the Ekstraklasa, is closely followed, sometimes leading to violent clashes between fans in high-stakes matches. The national team is strongly supported and regularly takes part in international and European competitions. Another team sport that Poles are particularly fond of is volleyball. The sport became symbolic in Poland in 1974. During the World Cup in Mexico, at the height of the Cold War, the country won its match against the USSR. The victory took on a political dimension that went far beyond the sporting stakes. Just like the national soccer team, the national volleyball team is successful and internationally recognized. Today, volleyball is as popular locally as it is nationally, and is even the second most popular sport in the country. The country boasts many renowned athletes in a multitude of disciplines, so major sporting events are greeted with enthusiasm and celebrated as they should be!
The country's wide open spaces, mountains and forests make it an ideal location for outdoor activities. The Tatras and the Giant Mountains are Poland's favorite regions for hiking, climbing and mountaineering. During the winter months, these mountainous regions are ideal for snow sports. Lakes, rivers and the Baltic Sea are home to water sports such as canoeing, kayaking, surfing and sailing. Last but not least, the presence of numerous cycle paths makes cycling a pleasure for both leisure and daily commuting. Poles appreciate these outdoor activities and like to do them in groups. In summer, they are the perfect opportunity to get together for convivial picnics and barbecues, after long days of sport.
