‘Dziady’ Echo Across Lublin as National Reading Goes Mobile

5 September 2026 Poland Radar 0 Comments

National Reading Lublin brought Mickiewicz’s ‘Dziady’ to streets, buses and parks, making literature part of everyday city life.

The city of Lublin joined the nationwide National Reading Lublin campaign on Saturday, September 5. Fragments of Adam Mickiewicz’s “Dziady” echoed from the Town Hall steps, through a moving city bus, and into museum courtyards and a botanic garden.

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National Reading Lublin: Mickiewicz across the city

Moreover, organisers spread readings across distinct urban sites to reach diverse audiences. At the Ratusz stairs residents listened from noon until 4pm. In addition, local schoolchildren read aloud, which connected a classic Romantic text with a younger generation. Consequently, the square became a temporary outdoor theatre and a civic gathering place.

From the Town Hall to a Bus: Literature in motion

However, the event did not stay in one place. At midday the city launched a special bus that carried readers and passengers along a 22-stop route. Library staff read the full Part II of “Dziady” during the two-hour trip. Moreover, passengers could respond and take turns with short improvised readings. Therefore, National Reading moved into the daily rhythm of commuters and tourists.

Romantic drama among village houses and botanical paths

In addition, the open-air Museum of the Lublin Village hosted readings near historic buildings. The texts sounded by a bell tower, a granary, and a manor house. Consequently, the rural architecture amplified the drama’s folklore themes about rituals and contact with the spirit world. Moreover, the UMCS Botanic Garden offered a quieter frame. From 11am to 2pm academics, artists and university representatives read amid trees and flowerbeds.

Furthermore, the event brought together institutions across the city. Representatives from UMCS, KUL, the Medical University and the Lublin University of Technology joined the readings. In addition, staff from the Hieronim Łopaciński Municipal Library organised the bus performance. Therefore, the action emphasised cooperation between cultural and educational sectors.

💡 GOOD TO KNOW: If you live in Poland, public cultural events usually stay free and open to everyone. However, joining library services may require local ID or registration. For example, PESEL is the national ID number used for many services (PESEL — national ID number). Also note that ZUS manages social insurance (ZUS — social security), and NFZ runs public health insurance (NFZ — public health insurer). Finally, a “mandat” means a fine for breaking rules like parking or smoking bans (mandat — fine). If you want to participate in readings or community events, simply ask organisers. Many welcome non-Polish speakers and will help you join.

Moreover, the variety of venues made the single reading feel fresh and relevant. The organisers proved that classic works can leave libraries and enter the public realm. Consequently, passersby found themselves unexpectedly involved in a national literary moment. Therefore, the action invited citizens and visitors to treat literature as part of city life, not only as a classroom subject.

Finally, Lublin’s approach showed how culture can connect different social groups. In addition, it provided a model for other cities that want to bring literature to everyday places. Moreover, the event reminded observers that Mickiewicz’s 19th-century drama still sparks public conversation today.

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