Traditional Polish celebration concert

ISTANBUL - Hürriyet Daily News

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A concert of traditional Christmas carols from Poland will be performed on Dec. 17 at 8 p.m. at St. Antoine’s Church in Beyoğlu, as the Polish Folk Ensemble “Walbrzych” celebrates the approaching holidays in a traditional festive ambience. Christmas in Poland is a special time, with a uniqueness which manifests itself in the development of the numerous traditions that Poles wait for eagerly.

An example of an activity representing the family spirit of Christmas in Poland is the common singing of Christmas carols (“koledy”) and songs. Most of the carols sung in Polish houses are extremely old, with some written by the most significant Polish poets during the 17th and 18th century. Others, called “pastoralki,” come directly from the folk tradition where they were sung by wandering musicians or students. Christmas carols are sung at home and in churches beyond Epiphany on Jan. 6, extending until Feb. 2. Entry to the concert is free.