Motorcyclists to Light Candles for Volhynia Victims

24 June 2026 Poland Radar 0 Comments

Volhynia motorcycle rally will travel to sites of 1940s massacres to light candles and hold Mass amid Poland-Ukraine tensions.

The Volhynia motorcycle rally will visit cemeteries and memorials to remember Polish victims of wartime massacres. Moreover, 32 riders will cross three countries to reach sites in present-day Ukraine.

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Who is riding and why it matters

The Volhynia Rally Association (Wołyński Rajd Motocyklowy) formed near Kazimierz Dolny. Consequently, members maintain graves, clean cemeteries, and keep ties with Polish minorities abroad. In addition, they run charity drives. Since 2022 they helped Ukrainian refugees. They collected goods, transported aid, and hosted families in Polish homes. Therefore, their actions show memory does not exclude compassion. However, recent diplomatic strains test that stance. President Zelensky’s naming of a unit after UPA veterans created a direct rift. Consequently, some Polish politicians and citizens reacted strongly. Moreover, this context makes the rally politically charged.

Volhynia motorcycle rally route and schedule

The 14th rally starts on June 27 at 10:00 in Bircza in Subcarpathia. Riders come from Kazimierz Dolny, Warsaw, and other towns. They will light candles in Domostawa and Bircza. Then they will ride through Slovakia, Hungary, and Romania. Next, they will follow paths linked to Polish legions. Finally, they will enter Ukraine from the south. Riders will visit Kuty, Pistyń, Kosów, and other towns. Moreover, on July 11 they will attend a field Mass in Ołyka. In addition, on July 12 they will pray in Lutsk cathedral and visit Ukrainian war memorials.

Security and diplomatic concerns for travellers

Organisers admit to worries about access and safety. Therefore, they prepared contingency plans. However, they say they will not cancel the trip. Foreign nationals should watch developments. Consequently, embassies and consulates may issue travel advice. In addition, border-crossing rules change fast. Remember that in Poland you use a PESEL number for local administration (PESEL is a national ID number). Also, ZUS runs pensions and social security (ZUS = Social Insurance Institution). Moreover, the NFZ covers public healthcare (NFZ = National Health Fund). Finally, a traffic fine equals a mandat (mandat = fine).

💡 GOOD TO KNOW: If you plan to follow or join memorial rides, check both Polish and Ukrainian travel advice. Contact your embassy to register. Also, carry ID and proof of vaccinations when crossing borders. In addition, allow extra time for border checks. Remember that local sensitivities run deep. Therefore, respect memorial protocols and local wishes. Finally, if you live in Poland and need local services, learn the basics: PESEL identifies you, ZUS handles pensions, NFZ manages public health care, and a traffic fine is a mandat.

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