Gala of the “Być Polakiem” Contest – The Most Important Polish Diaspora Event of the Year at the Royal Castle in Warsaw
- PSM
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
Updated: 3 days ago
In the exceptional setting of the Royal Castle in Warsaw, on July 10, 2025, the final Gala of the “Być Polakiem” contest took place — an event that for years has connected young Poles from around the world. In this year’s edition, over 1,300 children and youth from as many as 40 countries took part in the contest, once again demonstrating how strong and vibrant Polish identity can be beyond the country’s borders.
Among the guests invited to the Gala were representatives of the Polish Youth Association: Amelia Piwowarczyk, our association’s Public Relations Coordinator, and Paweł Piotr Madziar, the General Director of the Polish Youth Association in Greece. Their presence was a reflection of the active involvement of young Polonia in building a shared future — one that is aware of its roots and open to the world.
The Gala began with an official welcome by Magda Żyda, Deputy Head of the Senate Chancellery, and Artur Kozłowski, Director of the Office for Polish Communities Abroad, who, on behalf of the Marshal of the Senate, Małgorzata Kidawa-Błońska, emphasized the importance of the presence of the younger generation at such significant events.
Among the honored participants was Paweł Piotr Madziar — awarded in the 17–22 age category for a literary work dedicated to reflecting on Poland’s twenty years of membership in the European Union. His work demonstrated not only a mature perspective but also a deep understanding of the challenges faced by the young generation of Europeans with Polish roots.
Amelia Piwowarczyk was the winner of the contest for the logo design of the new initiative „Młoda Polonia 2.0”, created with the future of Polish diaspora activities in mind. Her design, awarded by the organizers, is not just a visual symbol — it represents a new stage in building dialogue among young Poles around the world. During the Gala, Amelia received her award, representing not only herself but the entire community of Polish youth active abroad.
The event — as every year — was a beautiful gathering of young people united by language, history, and shared heritage. The Gala is not just an awards ceremony but, above all, a collective celebration of identity. The traditional Polish dance — the polonaise — performed by the laureates at the beginning of the Gala was not only a nod to tradition but a testament to its continuity in the new generation.
The laureates and guests also enjoyed the dance performance “Warszawianka” by the Dance Theatre of the University of Warsaw. The moving choreography gave the event a unique artistic dimension, and the emotions expressed in every movement of the dancers proved that art can speak to the hearts of young people — regardless of where they come from.
Special thanks go to Ms. Joanna Fabisiak — a board member of the Foundation „Świat na Tak”, as well as the initiator and organizer of the “Być Polakiem” contest. Her many years of work for Polish youth abroad are not only organizational efforts but, above all, the creation of a space where young people can discover and nurture their Polish identity — on their own terms, but always with pride and respect for tradition.
“Być Polakiem” is more than a contest — it is a community. It is a meeting place for youth living in different parts of the world, but whose hearts beat in the same rhythm. Such events have great significance not only symbolically — they are real proof that Polishness can be alive, authentic, and joyful — no matter where one lives.
Amelia and Paweł showed how much can be achieved by acting with passion, responsibility, and openness. Their presence at the Gala is not only recognition of their work but also confirmation that the activities of Polish youth abroad have power — the power to connect, inspire, and build the future.
Amelia Piwowarczyk
Photo Gallery
Photos: Julia Wójcik
