FINDING GOD IN ALL THINGS
By Janark Gray
On Sunday, 16 November 2025, Federation Square came alive with the vibrant sights, sounds, and flavours of Poland as the Polish Festival marked its 21st year of bringing a taste of Poland to the heart of Melbourne. The event drew an impressive crowd of 40,000, reaffirming its place as one of the city’s most beloved cultural celebrations.
All photos of celebrations at the 2025 Polish Festival at Federation Square by Fr Mariusz Han SJ.
The festival’s origins trace back to the vision of Jesuit priest Fr Wieslaw “Tony” Slowik SJ, now 81 years old, who initiated the very first Polish Festival over two decades ago. Fr Tony had proposed the idea to a group of ten young social activists, encouraging them to organise a large-scale event that would showcase Polish culture in Melbourne. His leadership and foresight laid the foundation for what has become an annual highlight of Melbourne’s multicultural calendar.
From 2019 onwards, another Jesuit priest, Fr Mariusz Han SJ, has played a pivotal role in shaping the festival’s modern identity. With Fr Mariusz’ background in Multimedia and Communications, he has brought a fresh energy and technical expertise, developing the festival’s official website and designing its booklets, programs and flyers. His artistic and operational contributions have ensured that the event remains accessible and visually engaging for thousands of visitors each year. The festival would not be possible without the nine members of the Festival Committee (pictured below).
Polish Festival Committee members L-R: Fr Wieslaw “Tony” Slowik SJ, Grazyna Chochowska, Izabella Kobylanska, Joanna Merwart, Klara Sherwood, Jennifer Badzaj, Jan Szuba (President), Irena Lobaza and Fr Mariusz Han SJ.
In the words of Izabella Kobylanska, Vice President of the Festival Committee, “Having firmly established itself as a highlight of Melbourne’s multicultural calendar, the festival’s impact has extended far beyond a single day of celebrations each November. It encompasses:
- Cultural preservation: The festival plays a crucial role in preserving and promoting Polish cultural traditions within the Australian context. For second- and third-generation Polish-Australians, it provides a vibrant connection to their heritage.
- Community building: The event strengths bonds within Melbourne’s Polish community, bringing together people of all ages to celebrate their shared culture.
- Intercultural exchange: By attracting tens of thousands of non-Polish visitors each year, the festival fosters a greater understanding and appreciation of Polish culture among the broader Melbourne community.
- Economic impact: The festival’s growth contributes to the local economy, particularly in Melbourne’s CBD, by attracting visitors and supporting Polish-Australian businesses and artisans.
- Youth engagement: The involvement of young Polish-Australians in organising and performing at the festival helps ensure the continuity of cultural traditions and community engagement.”
Planning for the annual festival begins in March, and Fr Mariusz humorously described the process as a “labour of love.” He likened the nine months of preparation to childbirth, explaining that the committee faces anticipation and many challenges before the event, followed by immense joy once the festival has concluded successfully. This analogy captured the dedication and passion behind the scenes, where volunteers and organisers worked tirelessly to deliver an unforgettable experience. The festival has also been supported by the Victorian State Government and City of Melbourne along with many other sponsors and partners.
The 21st anniversary celebration featured traditional Polish food, music, dance, and art, creating a lively atmosphere that resonated with both Polish Australians and the wider community. The first Polish migrated to Australia some 200 years ago and now almost 200,000 Poles call Australia home and embrace the Australian way of life. Beyond the cultural displays, the festival stood as a testament to the enduring impact of Fr Tony’s vision, combined with the help of many others to transform a simple idea into a major cultural event of the year.
For more details about the festival’s history and future events, visit the official website: www.polishfestival.com.au.
To learn more about Fr Wieslaw “Tony” Slowik SJ, check out the feature stories Our father and Finding sanctuary.
To find out how Fr Mariusz Han SJ created a board game called ‘Ignatius Loyola: Knight and Pilgrim’, read the feature story Chairman of the board.