Ottawa Polish Fest 2026

The Polish Heritage Foundation of Canada organized an “Ottawa Polish Fest”, under the patronage of Embassy of Poland, Ottawa , held at the ByWard Market in Ottawa on Saturday, May 16, 2026. It was an occasion to celebrate Polish Heritage Month in Canada and introduce participants to Polish culture, Polish customs and also Polish flavours. Polish Fest was attended by Ambassador of the Republic of Poland to Canada, HE Witold Dzielski, who opened the event. He praised the importance of celebrating the Polish culture in Canada. The weather was perfect for the performances and for the attendees. Everyone had a good time. Polish music, Polish dance groups "Polanie" and "Vistula" from Ottawa, "White Eagle Folk Dance Academy" Montreal and "Polonez Folk Ensemble" Hamilton, colorful costumes, good Polish food put everyone in a good mood. Polanie Dance Group [Ottawa] This year, Polish dance group Polanie celebrates 70th anniversary. Founded in 1956 by Dr. Jerzy Dobrowolski, the Polish dance group Polanie has brought generations together through music, movement, and unforgettable memories. Vistula Polish Dance Group Ottawa, Ontario, Canada is a group of volunteers dancing Polish folk and ballroom dances in colourful costumes, carefully crafted according to the Polish tradition. Musicians from the Vistula Kapela band, also known as Akord musical group, performed several popular Polish songs. Polanie and Vistula are well-known locally, then no need to introduce them. Let's say few words about the guest performers. Académie l'Aigle Blanc / "White Eagle Folk Dance Academy" Montreal is a semi-professional dance ensemble and registered Canadian Charity (BN84079 1305 RR0001) based in Montréal Canada, dedicated to promoting, preserving and developing folk dance through classical and modern forms of dance. The ensemble, comprised of three age groups, is proud to bring to its audiences the excitement and beauty of the world’s folklore. Registered as a non-profit corporation in the province of Québec, Canada, the groups of the Academy perform to rave reviews around the world. With much success at home and abroad, “The Representative Group of the Academy” which is comprised of adults continues to add to its membership and repertoire. In January 2024, they expanded the ensemble to bring the Podhale Folk Dance Company into the fold, as the “Podhale Youth Group” dedicated to the teaching of folklore to adolescents followed by the creation of “The Syrenka Children’s group” for children aged 6 to 12, in September of the same year. With this growth a dedicated staff of instructors and assistants were put in place. Polonez Hamilton "Polonez Folk Ensemble" Hamilton Under the artistic direction of Dr. Danny Pogoda, the Polonez Polish Canadian Folk Ensemble of Hamilton was founded in 1966, and has been in continual existence since then helping to preserve and promote Polish Folk traditions and customs in the Hamilton area. The group has over 120 active members ranging from 5 to 25 years of age. Upon completion of many of the performances by the dance groups, all dancers and spectators joined in the celebratory Polonaise dance. The audience and dancers followed in the steps of this very special traditional Polish dance around the ByWard Market grounds, demonstrating unity and the love of Polish tradition. The festival was a great success. Congratulations to the organizers! See you next time!