Let the games begin

Celebrated each summer in and around Zakopane, the Tatra Wici is a series of events displaying and promoting the best of life and culture of the mountains. This year, events include the Dunajec Games (July 17), at Biały Dunajec, beloved by the former Pope John Paul II who was a big fan of rafting on the river rapids there. There will be a trout fishing and cooking contest on the river, on July 31. The Nowe Bystrem festival will be held on August 28, while in Poronin on August 7 there will be an international roller-blading competition, and a huge celebration of bears, bees and honey on August 21. Witw will host its own festival of concerts and events on July 31, while firefighters will compete in games on August 14 at Ząb. The Feast of the Forest takes place in Kościelisko on August 15, and in Zakopane the European Regional Products Fair will be held from August 11-14. Celebrations close in Zakopane on September 11, with the Farewell to Summer event.