Since 1260, the Saint's Fair Dominica continues to attract millions of visitors from all over the world. It is one of the oldest and largest outdoor events in Poland, offering a unique combination of historical traditions, regional specialties and a rich cultural program.
Discover what makes this Gdańsk fair unique and why it has remained extremely popular for seven centuries.
History of the St. Fair. Dominica
St. Fair Dominica has its roots in the 13th century, when Pope Alexander IV allowed its organization at the request of the Dominicans. Initially, it was a religious event related to the granting of hundred-day indulgences on the feast day of the founder of the order, St. Dominica.
Over time, the fair transformed into an important center of trade and entertainment, attracting merchants from all over Europe.
Since the Middle Ages, merchants from Germany, France, Flanders, England, Spain and Portugal came to Gdańsk, bringing with them various goods, such as French wine, Spanish olive oil and lemons, Portuguese roots, English cloth and silk.
In the 16th century, the papal nuncio Giulio Ruggieri described the fair as a huge event for which about 400 ships loaded with various goods called at the port.
The tradition of organizing a fair continued for centuries, despite interruptions caused by wars and epidemics. The longest break in the history of the fair was caused by World War II. After its end, the fair was not organized for 33 years.
The tradition was resumed in 1972 on the initiative of journalist Wojciech Święcicki, and the event was called the Dominican Fair.
In the 1970s, the fair was mainly a commercial event, where you could buy hard-to-find goods and see the latest clothing collections at the "Żywy Żurnal" shows. In 2004, a decision was made to extend the fair from two to three weeks.
The rooster, introduced as a symbol in 1972, became a symbolic element of the fair. Each year, the ceremonial opening of the fair is announced to the world by a specially written bugle call, to which another note is added each year , symbolizing the longevity of this event.
Currently, the St. Fair Dominica is one of the largest outdoor events in Europe , which attracts millions of tourists and exhibitors from all over the world every year.
It takes place in various parts of Gdańsk, such as Targ Węglowy, Długie Pobrzeże and Zielony Most, and offers a rich cultural program, full of concerts, theater performances and other attractions.
Main Attractions of the Fair in Gdańsk
During the St. Fair Dominica visitors can enjoy a variety of themed stops that offer something for everyone. Each year, the fair program is enriched with new attractions, but it also maintains long-standing traditions that attract crowds from all over the world.
Przystanek Smaków is the heart of the culinary experience. At Świętopełk Wielki Square you can try regional delicacies, such as traditional Żuławy products, Kashubian cheeses and cold cuts, as well as exotic dishes from various corners of the world.
This year, local restaurateurs will take up the challenge of preparing dishes from the book "Tastes of Gdańsk", combining tradition with modern culinary creativity.
The Ołowianka Pod Żaglami stop on Ołowianka Island is an ideal place to relax while listening to good music. In the evenings you can attend jazz concerts and outdoor cinema screenings. This is a chill-out zone where you can take a break from the hustle and bustle of the fair.
Równość stop on Heweliusza Square and ul. Rajska offers workshops, operettas, karaoke and folk music with DJ sets. It is divided into three dedicated zones: Young, Senior and Workshop. It is a place that promotes diversity and freedom, where everyone will find something for themselves.
Przygoda z AmberSky stop is a fun and attraction zone for children at Podwale Staromiejski and Targ Rybny. It offers theaters, workshops and sports activities, as well as a food court with a children's menu. One of the main attractions is the huge Amber Sky observation wheel, from which you can admire the panorama of Gdańsk.
A traditional element is the bugle call played by trumpeters from the Artus Court, which announces the ceremonial opening of the fair. Every year, a new note is added to the bugle call, symbolizing another year of the fair's existence.
The opening ceremony includes a parade featuring characters such as the Golden Hermes, the Crimson Rooster, clownfish, jugglers and reenactment groups.
St. Fair Dominika is also a place where numerous special events take place, such as the 29th Bread Festival, Kociewie Festival, Pomeranian Craft Festival, Cosplay Day and many others.
It is also worth mentioning the newly created Zone of Cities and Regions at Przystanek Smaków, where various cities and regions of Poland present their attractions and invite guests to visit them.
Cultural and Artistic Events
St. Fair Dominica is not only about trade, but above all a rich cultural program. Every day there are concerts, theater performances, circus shows and many other attractions.
Special days, such as the Kociewie Festival, showcase regional culture and traditions, offering performances by local bands, handicraft demonstrations and tastings of regional dishes.
Practical Information for Visitors to the Dominican Fair in 2024
St. Fair Dominica takes place every year from late July to mid-August. In 2024, the fair will last from July 27 to August 18. During this time, over 600 commercial and catering stands will appear on the streets of Gdańsk, divided into various thematic zones.
The fair area includes the streets and squares of the Old Town, such as Targ Węglowy, Długie Pobrzeże, Zielony Most and Podwale Staromiejskie.
To make it easier to navigate around the fair, the organizers have prepared detailed maps divided into thematic zones. In 2024, the fair will be divided into the following zones:
Przystanek Smaków (Skwer Świętopełka) - a place where you can try local and foreign delicacies and participate in culinary events.
Ołowianka Pod Żaglami stop (Ołowianka Island) - relaxation zone with jazz concerts and an outdoor cinema.
Przystanek Równość (Heweliusza Square and Rajska Street) - a place of workshops, operettas, karaoke and folk music.
Przygoda z AmberSky stop (Podwale Staromiejskie/Targ Rybny) - a children's zone with the Amber Sky observation wheel and other attractions.
To make it easier to navigate around the fair, the area has been divided into selected shopping streets, such as Uliczka Pomorska on ul. Szeroka, Graphics and Poster Zone at ul. Tkacka, Polish Fashion Designers Street on ul. Staganiarska and Artystyczne Podwale on ul. Podwale Staromiejskie and Grobli IV.
In 2024, a new zone was also introduced - the Cities and Regions Zone at Przystanek Smaków, where various Polish cities and regions will present their attractions and invite guests to visit them.
It is worth mentioning that the organizers took care of the comfort and safety of visitors. There are special park & ride zones where you can safely leave your car and use public transport to get to the fair.
If you need more information about this year's attractions or thematic zone plans, the organizers have prepared a refreshed website where you can find a detailed plan and any updates.
Curiosities and the Impact of the Fair on Gdańsk
St. Fair Dominika is of great importance to Gdańsk both economically and culturally. It attracts thousands of tourists, which influences the development of the local economy and is also an opportunity to promote regional products and culture.
The inhabitants of Gdańsk appreciate the fair for its unique atmosphere and the opportunity to participate in numerous cultural events.
Over the centuries, the fair has collected many stories and anecdotes. One of them is the story of the rooster, which became the symbol of the fair in 1972. Legend has it that the rooster brings luck and prosperity to fair visitors.
St. Fair Dominika is an event that combines history with modernity, tradition with innovation. Everyone who visits Gdańsk during the fair has a chance to experience a unique atmosphere, try regional delicacies and participate in a rich cultural program. This is one of those events that you simply have to see with your own eyes.
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