Gala Closing Concert
Patrons experience a grand ceremony of liturgical music excellence, often featuring the winning choirs in a full concert with religious icon imagery
Hajnówka Orthodox Church Music Festival
Międzynarodowy Festiwal Muzyki Cerkiewnej w Hajnówce
Hajnówka, Poland
May 12 - 17, 2026ExpectedSource
Each May, the town of Hajnówka fills with sacred song for an international festival of Orthodox church music. Choirs from around the world perform ancient liturgical chant, their voices rising in a region of eastern Poland where the Orthodox faith and its Byzantine traditions run deep.
Key moments
Where it happens
Sobór św. Trójcy
Hajnówka, Poland
Open in MapsHow to show up well
Plan the timing
Quiet attire (holy music performances in churches)
Read the local rhythm
Dress modestly and behave quietly in churches, follow liturgical norms if attending services
Keep the visit respectful
Observe silence in churches, remove hats covering head for women
Practical notes
Crowds & timing
Crowd level: high.
Tickets
Free events are available.
Reviewed mediaMAJOR RELIGIOUS RITUAL
Hajnówka Orthodox Church Music Festival
Międzynarodowy Festiwal Muzyki Cerkiewnej w Hajnówce
Hajnówka, Poland
Each May, the town of Hajnówka fills with sacred song for an international festival of Orthodox church music. Choirs from around the world perform ancient liturgical chant, their voices rising in a region of eastern Poland where the Orthodox faith and its Byzantine traditions run deep.
AnchorCultural anchor
May 12 - 17, 2026Expected dates
Verified this year
Saved locally on this device. A free account keeps your shortlist across devices.
The story behind it
Hajnówka and the Podlasie region are home to a significant Orthodox Christian minority, with strong ties to Byzantine and Slavic liturgical traditions. This festival, now 40+ years running, honors that heritage by making church music a public cultural celebration and linking it to the identity of the local community.
Key moments to know
Gala Closing Concert
Patrons experience a grand ceremony of liturgical music excellence, often featuring the winning choirs in a full concert with religious icon imagery
How to show up well
first-timer tips
Plan the timing
Quiet attire (holy music performances in churches)
Read the local rhythm
Dress modestly and behave quietly in churches, follow liturgical norms if attending services
Keep the visit respectful
Observe silence in churches, remove hats covering head for women
Ask before close-up photos
Ask permission
Essentials at a glance
Date window
May 12 - 17, 2026
Estimated
City / Area
Hajnówka
Northeast Poland (Podlasie)
Cost
Free public events available
Good for
Families welcome
Very High visitor welcome
If you go, go with confidence.
Save this celebration to keep the date correct, get planning guidance, follow key moment updates, and build your trip around what matters.
Plan with confidence
Get your Attendance Blueprint
Travel solo with ease
Find tips and support that make it simple
Stay date-correct
We'll watch the date so you don't have to