jarek
The Graz Congress Center, which hosted the 111th Universal Congress of Esperanto is situated right in the heart of this city of over 300,000 residents.
It is a beautiful, historic building dating back to 1885. During the Congress, over 1,000 Esperantists from around the globe gathered across 19 halls. In the grand concert hall – specially renamed Zamenhof Hall for the duration of the event – we listened to several wonderful international concerts that will stay with us forever.
As first-time attendees, we had the opportunity to meet people from all over the world who are united by Esperanto – an extraordinary way to communicate across borders. We managed to have basic conversations with participants from France, Turkey, and Germany, which brought us great joy because it proved to be far less intimidating than we had initially thought.
The trip to Graz also allowed us to explore parts of Austria and its landmarks, as well as other places along our route through Hungary and Slovakia. Participating in the Congress inspired us to raise the bar in our language learning.
To conclude: some won the world through song, others through knowledge and others with heart – and in our Esperanto group, we all grew fond of one another.
Ula Piasecka i Barbara Libera
On August 2, 2026, the second day of the Congress, two guys stepped onto the stage as part of the National Evening. One looked quite serious, while the other had a distinctly rock-‘n’-roll vibe at first glance. They turned out to be the Lugisch brothers from Styria.
The serious brother played the French horn – a very demanding instrument. The other played the accordion, zither, and harmonica, and both sang. They put on such an incredible showcase of classical and folk music that it gave us goosebumps. True Virtuosos with a capital “V”.
Next came 16 couples from a local folk ensemble: the ladies wore corset dresses, blouses, and aprons, while the men wore short leather trousers (lederhosen), white shirts, vests and thick knee-high wool socks. Considering the sweltering heat, massive respect to them! They danced their local folk dances with great confidence; it was beautiful and varied.
The men performed the traditional Alpine dance, the Schuhplattler, rhythmically slapping their thighs, knees and shoes. The couples spanned multiple generations, pairing younger and older dancers. The older gentlemen moved with grace and charm, while the younger ones were still learning. What struck us most about their performance was the deep mutual respect. The couples remained completely focused on each other throughout the dance, embracing tenderly and sharing warm eye contact without looking away. The musician accompanying them was fantastic as well.
In Graz, we also stumbled upon a dumpling bar called “Pierogarnia u ADRIANNY”, which served first-class pierogi – Ruthenian (potato & cheese), sweet cheese, meat, spinach, and buckwheat. The owner is a Polish woman from Masuria, very chatty and welcoming. Her husband is a veterinarian and her daughter is a tennis player.
All good things must come to an end. On the way back in our minibus, we enjoyed custom sing-alongs and songs written specially for the occasion.
Wanda Śmigielska i Teresa Wartak
In the center of Graz’s Old Town lies the Schlossberg. It is a beautiful, green hill perfect for walks, offering sweeping views of the city and surrounding areas. You can reach the top by climbing 260 steps or, as we did, by taking a relaxed stroll along shaded paths. Others took the elevator (the fastest way to the top) or the Schlossbergbahn funicular.
At the summit stands the Clock Tower – the iconic symbol of Graz – along with many historic buildings and attractions.
Island Café: The Mur River flows through Graz. Right in the middle of the river, under a glass dome, sits a floating structure with direct water views where you can enjoy coffee, a glass of wine or a light snack – the Murinsel café. The ice cream and cold drinks tasted delicious there.
On our return journey we visited Esztergom, home to a grand and majestic Basilica. Situated right on the Danube along the Hungarian – Slovak border, the town possesses the quiet charm of rural Hungary. The Basilica is the largest church in Hungary and draws hundreds of thousands of pilgrims every year. Two historic events connect this site to Poland: King John III Sobieski visited here after defeating the Ottoman forces and Pope John Paul II visited in 1991.
A park surrounds the sanctuary and from the hill where it stands, you can admire panoramic views of the Danube, the Maria Valeria Bridge (named after the daughter of Empress Sisi and Emperor Franz Joseph) and Slovakia.
Krystyna Sochacka
Rein Abbey is located 20 km north of Graz. It is the world’s oldest continuously active Cistercian monastery, founded in 1129.
It captivates visitors with its beautiful Baroque architecture, richly decorated interior, and peaceful historical atmosphere. As a key landmark of Styria, it connects history, art, and monastic tradition. We toured its well-equipped library, housing medieval manuscripts and books published across centuries of the abbey’s existence.
Eggenberg Palace sits just outside the Graz city center. It is one of Austria’s finest Baroque palaces and a designated UNESCO site. Surrounded by a vast park, visitors can enjoy scenic avenues, historic sculptures, and lush nature. The palace is also famous for its symbolic architecture designed around the calendar and cosmic order: its 4 towers represent the seasons, 12 gates symbolize the months and 365 windows stand for the days of the year. The beautifully preserved interiors house numismatic, archaeological, and artistic collections from the Universalmuseum Joanneum.
The Modern Art Gallery in Graz, known as Kunsthaus Graz is a strikingly unique piece of contemporary architecture. Its rounded, futuristic shape resembles a “friendly alien” from outer space, creating a bold contrast with the city’s historical buildings. The exterior is made of polymer panels, with north-facing nozzles acting as windows. It looks particularly fascinating in the evening when the facade lights up.
One of the optional sessions in the congress program turned out to be a regional meeting of the UEA (Universal Esperanto Association) commission for North America, South America, and the Caribbean. Representatives from various countries spoke about the growth and activities of their national Esperanto organizations, sharing both their achievements and challenges.
Ewa Merha i Barbara Głód-Szarzyńska
And just like that, Wednesday arrived. The Congress officially closed. We set off on a 140-kilometer drive. Travel conditions were pleasant, with light air conditioning in the minibus. Outside, the green landscape was soothing to the eyes. However, after hot days and short nights, a quick nap was much needed.
Suddenly – what was that? Was I dreaming, or was someone calling out? “Who wants a cookie, a candy, a piece of chocolate, or maybe a plum, some grapes, or an orange?” Why be surprised? That’s the joyful, generous spirit of our Esperanto brotherhood! And that’s how it went the entire journey.
Once we arrived: endless oohs and aahs! Here was Minimundus in Klagenfurt – the famous Miniature Park. Wow, it’s quite big! Spanning 26,000 m², it features 166 models of famous landmarks from 50 countries on a 1:25 scale.
And so it began: reading information boards, taking in the sights, identifying buildings and, of course, snapping endless photos. We had plenty of time, so we rested on benches and kept returning to our favorite models.
Some of the most recognizable and impressive sights included:
1. St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican – a true marvel that took 7 years to build.
2. The Eiffel Tower – the model stands over 12 meters tall.
3. CN Tower in Toronto – the tallest model at an impressive 23 meters.
4. The Taj Mahal – intricate and stunningly beautiful.
5. Sagrada Família in Barcelona – so many details, a true joy to admire up close.
6. And a special spot for number six… Schlossberg – the Castle Hill of Graz with its Clock Tower, where the large hand points to the hours and the small hand points to the minutes! Napoleon intended to demolish the tower, but the citizens of Graz pooled their money together to buy it back from the French. Hooray!
Well, we absolutely loved it! Some even updated their profile pictures on their phones to feature one of the miniatures. The exhibits didn’t stop there – there were model trains, a Ferris wheel and even a space shuttle.
Naturally, we also went to the 4D cinema. It shook us up and gave us a few scares, but it was great fun.
And was that all? Oh no, not at all – next came a delicious and lavish dinner.
Krystyna Szpilowska
Graz – the capital of Styria and the second-largest city in Austria – is situated near the Styrian Alps. The city originally developed on the site of an earlier Slavic settlement named Gradec.
The Congress was held in a beautiful 19th-century building, offering a fascinating daily program of activities, concerts and reunions with friends old and new. Nearby Japanese and Chinese restaurants provided great culinary experiences. The final International Evening featured captivating performances by representatives from various nations. A performance by a Korean participant incorporating traditional dance elements left a lasting impression, as did the Austrian delegation, who enhanced their dance routine with light effects set to classical Austrian compositions.
Every day on our way to the congress venue, we walked through the pedestrian zone of Graz’s charming Old Town. Live concerts took place here in the evenings as well. A performance by a Cuban band particularly caught my eye – the entire street came alive, dancing to their energetic rhythms.
Our stay was complemented by excursions to the Novapark Flugzeughotel, Eggenberg Palace and Minimundus – a miniature world near Lake Wörthersee offering learning, fun and relaxation.
I look back on this trip with great warmth. My thanks go to all participants and to my roommate. The organization and atmosphere both during travel and throughout our stay were wonderful.
Opyd Stanisława
On August 6, a small group of us toured the restaurant located at the Novapark Flugzeughotel in Graz. The restaurant can be toured during hours when it is closed to diners. It is set inside the fuselage of a Boeing 727 that once belonged to the last president of communist Czechoslovakia. Right beside it sits an Ilyushin Il-62M, which also houses a restaurant and bar. Both aircraft are mounted on the hotel roof, over 20 meters above ground level.
We also visited GATE 08 – one of Europe’s largest flight simulation centers.
We viewed three professional flight simulators equipped with advanced computers replicating real-time flight systems: a Cessna, a Boeing 737-800 NG, and an Airbus A319/A320. They even demonstrated a night landing simulation of an Airbus A320 for us.
Marian Kocyk
For me, attending the Universal Esperanto Congress brings a touch of sadness because many gesamideanoj (fellow Esperantists) have passed away, so I rarely bump into old friends these days. On the positive side, having attended so many congresses over the years means I know several of the speakers.
That is why I chose the IKU4 lecture on Walt Whitman, “Poet of the New United States,” presented by Humphrey Tonkin, whom I remembered from previous congresses. He gave a vibrant, engaging and witty presentation about the poet. I will always remember his great sense of humor and I was thrilled to expand my knowledge.
Unfortunately, I cannot say the same for the second lecture I attended, “The Psychological Benefits of Zamenhof’s Proverbs.” I hoped to hear at least one of the proverbs I knew from textbooks, but in vain. In my opinion, the speaker presented his ideas unclearly, so I lost patience and left the room.
Still, I am glad I had the chance to see it.
Jolanta Kieres
A Congress with Melpomene – Artistic Arrangements.
The grand 19th-century palace in the heart of Graz, serving as the Congress Center, proved to be a magnificent venue for numerous Esperanto cultural events.
The Stefaniensaal concert hall, renowned for its excellent acoustics and balcony seating, comfortably accommodated all congress attendees. On the impressive grand organ – often hailed as the king of instruments – the assistant organist from the Basilica of Saint-Germain in Paris performed in tandem with a young soprano, Linda. The stage hosted Esperanto musical groups, dance troupes, orchestras, virtuosos from around the globe and a 100-member International Esperanto Choir celebrating its 50th anniversary, conducted by Zdravka Boytcheva.
A standout moment was a concert by Abel Massiala from Africa, who accompanied himself on guitar while singing songs in several African dialects, five European languages and Esperanto.
For the International Evening – where anyone could share a short artistic performance – Abel Massiala assembled an impromptu vocal and instrumental ensemble of volunteers across several continents, creating a heartwarming highlight of international Esperanto fellowship.
To conclude, a fantastic surprise awaited everyone: a virtuoso premiere performance of the “Esperanto Waltz” for piano, originally composed in 1951 by Peter Schwarz for the Austrian Esperanto Congress. The black-and-white keys of the Steinway piano carried its melody out to the world.
It was a slight shame that Polish culture was not featured in a dedicated presentation during this year’s Congress.
Alicja Skalska, Krystyna Słaby
The 43rd Congress of the Polish Esperanto Association took place in Bielsko‐Biała, under the theme: “Between Mountains and Cultures – Together Through Esperanto.”
Around 130 participants attended, including a group of a dozen Esperantists from South Korea and individual participants from Germany, Slovakia, the Netherlands, and France. From Nowy Sącz, there were three of us: Jolanta Kieres, and Bożena and Marian Kocyk.
The activities were held in the building of the Beskid Library, which was very well adapted for this type of gathering.
As is customary, the event began with an excursion around the area: to the Castle in Pszczyna, the Kapias Gardens, and the village of Wilamowice, where the original language of the former inhabitants has been preserved — somewhat similar to German and Dutch.
The Koreans gave lectures on the culture of South Korea and on stages of economic development. They also led a short course in traditional Korean dance. Other interesting presentations included old Esperanto advertisements and travel impressions from Vietnam.
The artistic program was exceptionally rich. In addition to the well‐known satirical duo Szaszy Pfilipowicz and Georgo Handzlik, the following performed: the very famous and beloved Dutch band Kajto, and the outstanding French artist from Toulouse known in the Esperanto world under the pseudonym JoMo. We also heard the duo from Poznań SuMi, that is Zuzanna Kornicka and Mirosław Bartkowiak.
The city of Bielsko‐Biała was well worth visiting due to its rich history and the interesting architecture of Cieszyn Silesia, where – under the rule of the Habsburgs of Austria‐Hungary – the cultures of Poles, Czechs, and Slovaks mixed.
The congresses of the Polish Esperanto Association have a large group of supporters and are significant events in the Esperanto movement.
Bożena Kocyk
April 13: We hopped on a train… and not just any train… the INTERCITY at 1:10 PM, and headed off toward Warsaw. The journey was cool – numbered seats, everyone had a place to sit, and we even had those fold-out tables. We reached Warsaw Central at 5:48 PM and from there, we caught the train to Białystok. Waiting for us at the station in Białystok was NINA, an Esperantist with a capital “E” We gave her a warm welcome, and Nina led us to the bus stop and walked us all the way to the Hotel IBIS, where we were “sorted” into double rooms. We made plans for day two of our trip, which was April 14.
. April 14, 2026: The group kicks off their adventure to discover the treasures of the Podlasie region.
Nina Pietuchowska took on the role of our tour leader and guide; she’s an Esperanto teacher for various courses and events like SES, BET, Italian Congresses, and so on.
Białystok is the capital of the Podlaskie Voivodeship—an administrative, economic, cultural, and scientific hub. It’s a city where different cultures and traditions blend together, and where you can try all sorts of flavors. It’s also the city of Ludwik Zamenhof. This is where the famous doctor and creator of Esperanto was born. Today, Nina is leading us along the Esperanto and Multi-Culture Trail—she tells us stories about the history of the places we pass: the school where he started his education before moving to Warsaw, his family home, and the house of Jakub Szapiro, another important Esperantist. We’ll see the iconic Kościuszko Market Square and historic temples…
We visited the Ludwik Zamenhof Center, which has a rich collection from that era in the exhibition called “Young Zamenhof’s Białystok.” Then we headed toward the Branicki Palace, the “business card” of Białystok. Even from a distance, the “Gryf” Great Gate and the impressive Baroque Palace—often called the “Versailles of the North”—catch your eye. The lavish interiors, the French-style park and gardens, and the museum’s rich collections are absolutely captivating. This is also where the Medical University and the Museum of Pharmacy are located.
April 14 marks the 109th anniversary of Ludwik Zamenhof’s death. Our group was invited by the Białystok Esperanto Society and the Białystok Cultural Center to honor this anniversary. Flowers were laid at the monument of the Patron of Esperanto. There were speeches by organization representatives and a commemorative group photo. We also documented our meeting with another group photo at the “Young Zamenhof” monument.
We ended the packed program of our first day in a lovely atmosphere, meeting with local Esperantists at their headquarters. Even there, our tireless guide Nina shared her archives and stories from the history of her beloved city.
Day 2: This day was filled with two trips. The first was to Tykocin – a charming town about 30 km west of Białystok. There’s a late-Baroque church there (Holy Trinity). It has an imposing, monumental shape that really makes an impression. We toured the Great Synagogue, which is very well-preserved and has a large collection of Judaica. Right next to the synagogue is the Tejsza restaurant, which serves Jewish cuisine. In Tykocin, at the castle, King Augustus II established the Order of the White Eagle back in 1703—a monument commemorates this. On the other side of the Narew River stands a royal castle rebuilt by a private owner.
The second trip of the day was to Święta Woda (Holy Water), a spring with miraculous properties. There’s a “Hill of Crosses” there where pilgrims leave crosses behind. All of it is very moving. It was an intense day that left us with many positive impressions.
Day 3: We visited the town of Supraśl, located near Białystok.
It’s a lovely town known for its rich history, monuments, and unique atmosphere. Supraśl has a history dating back to 1501, when an Orthodox Monastery was moved from Gródek to the “Suchy Hrud” wilderness. Its founder and main benefactor was the Voivode of Nowogródek, Aleksander Chodkiewicz.
The legend regarding the monastery’s founding says that the monks from Gródek, after several days of prayer, let a wooden cross with holy relics float down the Supraśl River, asking Divine Providence to stop it in the place best suited for a monastery.
We started our tour with the Monastery of the Annunciation, one of the most important Orthodox monasteries in Poland.
It was founded in the early 16th century and was a major religious and cultural center for centuries. We were especially impressed by the rebuilt Church of the Annunciation, which was destroyed during WWII and then faithfully reconstructed. Unfortunately, what we saw was “only” a very precise reconstruction. Of course, it’s a religious Orthodox building, but it looks like a Gothic brick castle—built on a square plan with high walls and towers at the corners. The temple is stunning with its monumental architecture and beautiful interior, and it’s famous for the vivid frescoes covering the walls. The whole place radiates peace and is full of history. It is a male monastery, currently home to 10 Brothers. Brother Jan, our guide, impressed us with his massive historical knowledge, which he shared in a really interesting way, weaving in a lot of humor and modern-day references. No boredom here! The monastery itself made a huge impression on us.
The next stop was the Icon Museum (a branch of the Podlaskie Museum), located in the old Archimandrites’ Palace. It’s one of the most interesting places of its kind in Poland. The museum has a rich collection of icons from the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries, as well as fragments of 16th-century frescoes saved from the old church. The display includes about 300 icons, sacred objects, and unique frescoes that refer to church interiors, a hermit’s cave, or a village hut. Enhanced by special lighting, they are meant to help visitors understand the role (not just religious, but historical and social) of the icon in Orthodoxy. The museum collection consists of religious paintings, many of them very old and beautifully painted. The museum does a great job explaining how icons were made and why they are important. The vivid colors and amount of detail are surprising. The exhibition was prepared in a modern, multimedia way, making the visit very interesting and allowing us to get to know Orthodox culture better. The visit was quite a reflective experience.
Later on, we happily went with our guide Nina to the town center to see the Market Square. The square in Supraśl is well-kept and surrounded by historic buildings. There’s a peaceful vibe, and we had the chance to see the characteristic architecture of this resort town and learn its history. Of course, there was also time for “a little something-something” at a place Nina recommended called “Jarzębinka.” Our taste buds were 100% satisfied. We definitely didn’t go everywhere and didn’t see everything, but we simply ran out of time. During our walk through Supraśl, we also stopped at the Bucholtz Palace, the Jansen house and factory, and other interesting spots that Nina told us so much about. Thanks to this trip, we got to know the specifics of the region, see valuable monuments, and spend time in a beautiful, peaceful place. Supraśl was definitely worth visiting.
We ended the third day of our trip with a group dinner at the hotel restaurant. There were memories, poems, singing—a very nice atmosphere—and an exchange of gifts. Our dinner wouldn’t be complete without “our Nina,” who was with us from our very first steps at the train station on Monday evening. She served us with both her historical and practical knowledge, for which we thanked her heartily. It was solemn and joyful, and some of the ladies were already dreaming up plans for the next trip. Our President, Bożena, didn’t say “no,” so we’re hoping for another joint getaway soon.
Choosing a Dachshund as a travel companion was a major decision, which resulted in 4 people traveling by car instead of taking the train with the rest of the group. From then on, our only compass was a nose located 10 centimeters above the ground, and our daily schedule depended on the mood and stubbornness of the “princess.” Traveling with a “sausage dog” is an endless pleasure (and a bit of madness), and boredom is a thing of the past.
A dachshund is a miracle of engineering. It’s the only dog that can fit through the tightest aisle on a train, yet somehow manage to take up 110% of a hotel bed.
That’s where, when the cold hits you, the dachshund reveals its superpower as a deluxe heating system. In a car, it takes up very little space (vertically) and infinite space (horizontally). When traveling with a dachshund, you stop being an anonymous tourist. You become “that person with the long dog,” because dachshunds have a natural gift for winning people over – from police officers to strict receptionists. So:
If you have a dachshund dear,
roam the world and have no fear.
For there’s joy in every sense,
from that dachshund’s length immense.
And you’ll be doing just fine,
If he is with you all the time.
This report is a collective work of the trip participants.
. The next club meeting took place at MOK on 23 March.
The programme included a discussion of current matters related to the group’s trip to Białystok and Graz, as well as a film and a presentation.
In Białystok, the group, in addition to visiting the city and its surroundings and meeting with local Esperantists, will take part in a ceremonial laying of flowers at the monument of Ludwik Zamenhof on the occasion of the 109th anniversary of his death. The co organisers of the event are the city authorities.
The next item on the agenda was watching a film promoting Esperanto in a vivid and humorous way, prepared by our colleague Jarosław Szewczyk using Artificial Intelligence.
After the film, the participants listened to a lecture illustrated with period photographs, prepared by Bożena and Marian Kocyk, entitled “Love or the Throne”, about the most famous romance of the 20th century – that of the English king Edward VIII and Mrs Simpson.
We concluded the meeting chatting over coffee and tea.
Bożena Kocyk
The February CEM club meeting took place in an “African atmosphere” on 16 February of this year at the MOK cultural center. This was made possible thanks to the presence of guests who, through their stories, transported us to Tanzania.
Magdalena Tatara (an Esperantist from Kraków) and Robert Kamiński (President of the Main Board of the Polish Esperanto Association) participated in the 109th World Esperanto Congress, which took place from 3 to 10 August 2024 in Arusha, Tanzania – a historic event, the first of its kind on the African continent. Magda and Robert spoke in a very direct, warm, and engaging way about their journey to the congress venue, about Tanzania and Zanzibar, about the congress itself and its atmosphere, and about the places they visited. All of this was illustrated with photographs they had taken themselves.
Tanzania – the United Republic of Tanzania – is a country in East Africa formed from the union of former British colonies: Tanganyika (German until World War I) and British Zanzibar. This is symbolized by the name created from the first syllables of both countries: TAN + ZAN.
Zanzibar is an island in the Indian Ocean belonging entirely to Tanzania. While presenting the country, the speakers showed important landmarks as well as the everyday life of residents in places that are not wealthy but are colorful with stalls selling local products, where the main means of transport offered to tourists is the motorcycle.
The people of Tanzania are very friendly and open, as shown by their greeting “jambo” (“hello”) and the phrase “hakuna matata”, meaning “don’t worry” or “no problems,” often heard as a greeting or a response to everyday concerns. Although popularized by The Lion King, it is deeply rooted in East African culture.
. The congress was held at the International Conference Center (AICC) in Arusha, in a hall that can accommodate about 1,500 people. Around 700 participants from more than 60 countries attended, and the main theme was: “Language, people, and the environment for a better world”. Arusha is one of the largest cities in Tanzania (over 600,000 inhabitants), located near the border with Kenya at the foot of the majestic Mount Meru – the second-highest peak in Tanzania after Kilimanjaro. The city of Arusha is the starting point for safaris in northern Tanzania. This gave congress participants the opportunity to take a trip during which they could observe local wildlife from the car windows.
A particularly interesting place to visit was the National Natural History Museum, which features exhibitions on early humans, the plants and animals of the region, and the history of the city. On the museum grounds, a huge tortoise – around 200 years old – roams freely.
Another important site is the Cultural Heritage Centre, a large art gallery housed in an impressive building inspired by African symbols. The extensive museum complex presents a collection of African art, including wooden sculptures, statues, masks, paintings, furniture, tools, and traditional doors from Zanzibar.
Our guests also spoke interestingly about their visit to the cemetery of Polish refugees in Tengeru, in the Arusha region. This cemetery is the largest and best-preserved burial site of Polish citizens in Tanzania and in all of Africa. It is the resting place of 150 Polish exiles from World War II who accompanied General Anders’ Army on its journey from the Soviet Union to Iran and Palestine. They were transported and settled in British colonies, including the territory of then Tanganyika (now Tanzania). The refugees established settlements, the largest of which was in Tengeru, with about 5,000 inhabitants. The cemetery, like other Polish cemeteries in Tanzania, is maintained by the Polish Embassy in Tanzania and is very well cared for – which is exceptional compared to local burial sites, which are not preserved or commemorated in this way.
The organization of the trip to Tengeru was assisted by the then Vice-Consul of the Polish Embassy in Tanzania, Krystyna Fatyga, who also took part in the visit and recounted the cemetery’s history. The account given by our guests – enriched with many photographs and personal impressions – transported the meeting participants to another fascinating and, in many ways, little-known African country.
The congress held in Tanzania highlighted the growing interest in the language and the increasing role of Esperanto in Africa. The stories about the congress – which included scientific and cultural events, environmental initiatives, and ecumenical services – confirmed that it is an event promoting unity, cooperation, and Esperanto as a tool connecting people across cultural boundaries.
The presentation by Magdalena Tatara and Robert Kamiński was warmly received by the participants and rewarded with loud applause. During the meeting, the President of the Main Board of the Polish Esperanto Association, Robert Kamiński, presented brief information about the association’s activities and invited everyone to participate in the 43rd Polish Esperanto Congress, which will take place in Bielsko-Biała from 23 to 26 July 2026.
Maria Baran
“June kaj kune” is the first musical in history that was originally created in the Esperanto language — it is therefore not a translation of any other work.
Its premiere took place during the 78th International Youth Congress (Internacia Junulara Kongreso, abbreviated IJK). The title of the musical is also the motto of TEJO and means “young people together”.The story follows participants of a fictional International Youth Congress: some of them find love, others discover their current “place on Earth,” and still others receive unexpected help.
There is no single protagonist – the theme and the true “main star” of the show is the congress itself. 34 young people from 14 countries and 5 parts of the world joined forces to create this unique project. The performance was presented on 26 August 2022 at 20:00 during IJK 2022 in Westelbeers, the Netherlands.
To carry out this project, TEJO received funding from the Erasmus+ program under KA152. In addition, five other associations contributed to its realization: Catalan Esperanto Youth, German Esperanto Youth, the Italian Federation of Esperantists, EUROKKA, and the Polish Esperanto Association.
The entire musical and a list of individual songs are available for viewing on YouTube:
June Kaj Kune – La Muzikalo
Organizanto – June kaj Kune
Kantoj – June kaj Kune
Lidia Komar
Every year in December, to commemorate the birth of the creator of Esperanto, the Center for Intercultural Education (CEM) celebrates “Zamenhof Day.” This year, our celebrations took place on December 19, 2025. The event featured the traditional Zamenhof cake, tributes to our late friend Roman Dobrzyński, and the singing of Christmas carols in both Esperanto and Polish.
“Zamenhof Day” and the exhibition “Esperanto Beyond the Borders of Time and Space” (which had its official opening on November 7, 2025, at the Galician Town Hall in Nowy Sącz) were our two major events honoring Ludwik Zamenhof. Information regarding these initiatives was published on the global Esperanto platform, “Eventa Servo.”
The celebration at the Municipal Cultural Center (MOK) began with a welcome speech by Jolanta Kieres, Vice President of the CEM Board. Among the guests was Jadwiga Banach, representing the Board of the SUTW (University of the Third Age). While thanking for the invitation, she extended her heartfelt wishes for the continued success of our association and expressed her confidence in the ongoing cooperation between CEM and SUTW.
Jolanta Kieres provided a brief overview of the traditions and various ways Zamenhof Day is celebrated by Esperantists worldwide. Following this, the “Esperanto Anthem” was performed, accompanied by Alicja Skalska on the accordion.
The highlight of the meeting was a tribute to the late Roman Dobrzyński, an outstanding Polish Esperantist, journalist, and documentary filmmaker. Maria Baran delivered a lecture on his life and work, focusing particularly on his collaboration with the Esperantists of Nowy Sącz. Her presentation concluded with a poem by Halina Różanek, an Esperantist from Szczecin, read by Wanda Śmigielska. Halina wrote the poem in 2022 during our 30-person group’s visit to Germany.
The meeting continued with personal anecdotes from our members. Bożena Kocyk spoke about her private meetings and engaging conversations with Roman. She also presented several of his books, warmly encouraging everyone to read them. Alicja Skalska, Jolanta Kieres, and Lidia Komar also shared their personal memories of him.
The late Roman Dobrzyński – an eminent Esperantist, writer, filmmaker, and a kind-hearted man with a great sense of humor – remains in our hearts as a dear Friend.
During the event, students from the Esperanto language courses led by Jolanta Kieres performed a short, humorous sketch based on a text by R. Dobrzyński. The script was adapted by Ewa Merha, and the roles were performed by Zofia Homoncik and Wanda Śmigielska.
With Christmas approaching, the gathering joined in a choral singing of carols in Esperanto and Polish, again accompanied by Alicja Skalska. Christmas and New Year wishes were exchanged, with a particularly joyful set of wishes presented by Wanda Śmigielska. In a warm and friendly atmosphere, everyone enjoyed the traditional “Zamenhof Cake”.
Maria Baran & adm & AI
