Gwarki in Tarnowskie Góry

Gwarki (pronounced "GVAR-kee") is the annual town festival of Tarnowskie Góry ("tar-NOF-skyeh GOO-rih"), a former silver- and lead-mining town in Upper Silesia, southern Poland. Held every September since 1957, it celebrates the town's mining heritage with concerts, family events and, above all, a spectacular costumed parade that retells local history. The parade was added to Poland's National List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2024, and the festival is a lively way to discover a lesser-known corner of Silesia.

Where it is and how to get there

Tarnowskie Góry lies about 25 km north of Katowice, the capital of the Silesian region. Katowice Airport in Pyrzowice is only about 15 km away, which makes the town surprisingly easy to reach on a short break; Kraków is roughly 100 km to the southeast. Regional trains connect Katowice with Tarnowskie Góry, and the station is within walking distance of the market square. During the festival, traffic restrictions apply in the center, so the train is the easiest option.

When it takes place

Gwarki takes place every year in early September and lasts several days. The 2026 edition ran September 10–13 and was special: the town celebrated its 500th anniversary, and the parade covered five centuries of history. As of October 2026, the 2027 dates had not yet been announced; check the official festival website.

The Gwarki Parade

"Gwarek" is an old Polish word for a miner. The parade, held on the final day (Sunday), was first organized in 1957 by local history enthusiast Antoni Gładysz, inspired by miners' parades from the early 20th century. Residents dress as the town's founders, legendary characters, famous visitors and local heroes, often passing their roles down through families. In 2023 about 300 people took part. Look out for Rybka, the peasant who, according to tradition, found the first ore and started the town's mining history.

Other things to do during the festival

• Concerts on the main stage in the market square, from classical music and jazz to pop and rock.
• A children's stage near the Tarnowskie Góry Culture Center.
• Exhibitions, sports events and plenty of food stands.

Check the program and any admission rules on the official website before you travel; prices for food are in Polish zloty (PLN).

Is it worth visiting?

Yes, especially if you combine it with the town's UNESCO World Heritage Site: the Tarnowskie Góry Lead-Silver-Zinc Mine and its Underground Water Management System, inscribed in 2017. You can tour the Historic Silver Mine and float by boat through the Black Trout Adit, both open outside festival time too. Arrive early on parade day to get a good spot along the route, and bring a light jacket: early September evenings in Silesia can be cool.